Surgical Technologist Salary in Carlsbad, NM: $60,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Carlsbad, NM earns a median $60,991/year (≈ $29.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $64,609 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Carlsbad, NM, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $60,991, which reflects a notable difference when compared to the national median of $68,141. The pay range in this region extends from $44,901 at the 10th percentile to $87,625 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the income potential within this field. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and are adjusted for local conditions. There is a growing emphasis on robotic surgery certifications in the industry, which can enhance earning potential by attracting higher salaries, especially for those with specialized skills in advanced surgical procedures. The job market in Carlsbad indicates a stable demand for surgical technologists, which is encouraging for those considering a career in this essential health sector.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,901 | $21.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,276 | $25.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,991 | $29.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,704 | $35.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,625 | $42.13 |
Median Salary Position
10.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, NM, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,724 (2026 est.). At $60,991, the local median is 10.49% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carlsbad Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $60,991/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $64,336 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -10.49% less |
Surgical Technologists in Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $60,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $64,336.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carlsbad has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carlsbad, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,991 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,609 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,232
2025 BLS Actual
$57,866
2026 Current Est.
$60,991
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,494 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,438 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,088 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,284 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $43,232 (2019) to $57,866 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,284 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,052 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad 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) | $44,901 – $52,276 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,276 – $60,991 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,991 – $73,704 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,704 – $87,625 |
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 Carlsbad
With only seven surgical technologists currently employed in Carlsbad, the local job market remains competitive yet limited, reflecting both opportunities and challenges in the field. The cost of living in the area is indexed at 94.4, suggesting that salaries may stretch further in Carlsbad compared to more expensive markets. Those seeking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Carlsbad should consider employment in hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers, which often provide higher compensation compared to general practices. Opportunities also exist for surgical technologists with experience in robotic surgery or who can take on roles as surgical first assistants, as these positions typically come with a premium. Understanding the nuances of compensation, such as the need for call coverage or trauma center designations, will be vital for anyone aiming to increase their salary in this evolving market.
More salary data for Carlsbad, 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 $57,866 for surgical technologistsin the Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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