Surgical Technologist Salary in Kearny, NJ: $75,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Kearny, NJ earns a median $75,940/year (≈ $36.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Kearny's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $65,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a surgical technologist in Kearny, NJ, the projected 2026 median annual salary is $75,940, notably 11.45% higher than the national median of $68,141. Salary expectations for surgical technologists in this area range from $58,633 at the 10th percentile to $111,790 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in local healthcare settings. This analysis derives from estimates based on 2025 BLS data that take into account regional price parities, which are significant given Kearny's cost of living index of 115.2. The job market currently employs 11 surgical technologists, and for those looking to maximize their compensation, gaining certification in robotic surgery can be a lucrative pathway amid a growing trend favoring technological proficiency.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,633 | $28.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,925 | $32.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,940 | $36.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,727 | $43.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,790 | $53.74 |
Median Salary Position
11.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
In Kearny, NJ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,157 (2026 est.). At $75,940, the local median is 11.45% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearny Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Kearny median: $75,940/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,531 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +11.45% more |
Surgical Technologists in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $75,940 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $78,531.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearny has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearny, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,940 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,920 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,828
2025 BLS Actual
$72,049
2026 Current Est.
$75,940
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,828 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,084 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,364 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,096 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,049 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,040 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearny metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $53,828 (2019) to $72,049 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,040 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,212 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $58,633 – $66,925 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,925 – $75,940 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,940 – $90,727 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,727 – $111,790 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Kearny
In the Kearny, NJ job market, the cost of living has a considerable impact on take-home pay, so understanding local employment dynamics is essential. While the area supports 11 surgical technologists, opportunities for higher wages persist, particularly in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, which tend to favor advanced skills and certifications. Surgical technologists specializing in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery often command the highest salaries, while those with robotic surgery certification or who serve as surgical first assistants may see additional premiums. Given the strong competition for skilled professionals and factors like call coverage and trauma center designation affecting pay spread, strategizing career development – such as pursuing CAAHEP-accredited training or obtaining the CST credential from NBSTSA – can significantly enhance earning potential in Kearny.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Kearny?
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $72,049 for surgical technologistsin the Kearny metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov