Surgical Technologist Salary in Lakewood, NJ: $77,885 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Lakewood, NJ earns a median $77,885/year (≈ $37.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,609 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in Lakewood, NJ, is projected to reach a median of $77,885, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. This local data also indicates a diverse salary range from $55,437 at the 10th percentile to $120,722 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying degrees of specialization and experience in this field. The economic dynamics of Lakewood, underscored by advancements such as robotic surgery certifications, add a competitive edge to compensation. With a local workforce of 31 surgical technologists, the city is establishing its reputation in the healthcare sector, indicating promising opportunities for both current and aspiring surgical tech professionals.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,437 | $26.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,551 | $31.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,885 | $37.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,698 | $47.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,722 | $58.04 |
Median Salary Position
14.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, NJ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,285 (2026 est.). At $77,885, the local median is 14.3% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $77,885/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,513 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +14.30% more |
Surgical Technologists in Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $77,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $78,513.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,885 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,609 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,207
2025 BLS Actual
$73,895
2026 Current Est.
$77,885
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,207 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,819 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,866 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,885 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,091 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $55,207 (2019) to $73,895 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,091 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,884 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $55,437 – $65,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,551 – $77,885 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,885 – $98,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,698 – $120,722 |
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 Lakewood
The cost of living index in Lakewood stands at 115.2, which is above the national average, directly impacting take-home pay for surgical technologists. Employers such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers tend to offer the highest salaries in the area, often complemented by additional premiums for specialized roles. The disparity between low and high salaries can be attributed to factors like specialization in high-demand areas, call coverage responsibilities, and certifications in robotic surgery. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Lakewood, pursuing additional certifications, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), and seeking roles in settings like trauma centers or travel surgical tech agencies can prove advantageous. Emphasizing skill enhancements and flexibility in job roles will position candidates favorably within this robust job market.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $73,895 for surgical technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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