Surgical Technologist Salary in Newark, NJ: $88,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Newark, NJ earns a median $88,793/year (≈ $42.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $77,077 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.1% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $88,793 in 2026, representing a significant premium compared to the national average. This specialty, particularly those engaged in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, tends to command higher pay due to the advanced skills required. Salaries for surgical technologists in Newark range from $57,217 at the 10th percentile to $137,629 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse levels of experience and specialization within the field. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, which indicate a robust demand for qualified surgical technologists in the local healthcare market.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,217 | $27.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,646 | $36.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,793 | $42.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,655 | $54.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,629 | $66.17 |
Median Salary Position
30.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,412 (2026 est.). At $88,793, the local median is 30.31% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Newark median: $88,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $78,509 | +13.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +30.31% more |
Surgical Technologists in Newark, NJ earn a median of $88,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.31% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 13.10% above the New Jersey state average of $78,509.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $88,793 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,077 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,939
2025 BLS Actual
$84,244
2026 Current Est.
$88,793
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,776 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,106 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,588 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $62,939 (2019) to $84,244 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,588 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,649 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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) | $57,217 – $75,646 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,646 – $88,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,793 – $113,655 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,655 – $137,629 |
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 Newark
With 61 surgical technologists currently employed in Newark, the competition is supported by a cost-of-living index of 115.2, suggesting that while salaries are higher than average, expenses are also elevated. Top-pay positions can be found in hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, particularly in cardiothoracic and orthopedic fields. The spread between the lower and upper salary brackets often hinges on various factors such as specialty expertise, certification in robotic surgery, and availability for on-call duties. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Newark, pursuing additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and gaining experience in trauma centers can prove beneficial strategies for success in this evolving workforce.
More salary data for Newark, 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 $84,244 for surgical technologistsin the Newark 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 Newark 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