Surgical Technologist Salary in Albuquerque, NM: $54,576 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Albuquerque, NM earns a median $54,576/year (≈ $26.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Albuquerque's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.5), that paycheck buys what $57,120 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a surgical technologist salary in Albuquerque, NM, is projected to be around $54,576, which is notably lower than the national median of $68,141. Salaries within the city exhibit a wide range, with entry-level positions earning approximately $46,545 while experienced professionals can make up to $82,897. This salary data comes from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reflecting the dynamics of the local healthcare settings such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. Given Albuquerque's unique market, surgical technologists can expect variations based on the type of facility they work in and specific job responsibilities, signaling a healthier employment outlook in surgical services across the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,545 | $22.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,697 | $24.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,576 | $26.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,111 | $33.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,897 | $39.85 |
Median Salary Position
19.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Albuquerque
In Albuquerque, NM, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,352 (2026 est.). At $54,576, the local median is 19.91% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Albuquerque: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Albuquerque Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Albuquerque median: $54,576/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Albuquerque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $64,359 | -15.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -19.91% less |
Surgical Technologists in Albuquerque, NM earn a median of $54,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.91% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 15.20% below the New Mexico state average of $64,359.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Albuquerque has a cost of living 4.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Albuquerque, NM has a cost-of-living index of 95.546 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $54,576 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,120 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,800
2025 BLS Actual
$51,780
2026 Current Est.
$54,576
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Albuquerque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,576 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,523 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Albuquerque metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 26.9% from $40,800 (2019) to $51,780 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,523 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,723 (40.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albuquerque 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) | $46,545 – $50,697 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,697 – $54,576 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,576 – $69,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,111 – $82,897 |
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 Albuquerque
The local job market for surgical technologists in Albuquerque is robust, with around 350 employed in this field. The cost of living index in the area is at 95.546, which is below the national average, potentially enhancing take-home pay for those in the profession. Among the highest-paying employers, hospital operating rooms typically offer better compensation than ambulatory surgery centers. However, specialty surgical centers that focus on fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery may provide even higher salaries due to the increased skill set required. Factors driving pay variations include specialization, call coverage requirements, and additional qualifications such as robotic surgery certification. For surgical technologists looking to maximize their pay in Albuquerque, pursuing certifications in advanced surgical techniques or gaining experience in trauma center environments can be advantageous.
More salary data for Albuquerque, NM:
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 $51,780 for surgical technologistsin the Albuquerque 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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