Surgical Technologist Salary in Cary, NC: $64,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cary, NC earns a median $64,491/year (≈ $31.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $68,901 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Cary, North Carolina, can anticipate a median annual salary of $64,491, with figures reflecting a range from $47,142 at the 10th percentile to $99,599 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, show that while the compensation is slightly lower than the national median of $68,141, there are promising growth prospects for those in this field. The rising trend of robotic surgery certification, particularly with the da Vinci systems, may enhance earning potential and job opportunities for surgical technologists, as facilities prioritize advanced skills in surgical procedures. As the region continues to expand its medical facilities, there is a growing demand for skilled technologists, particularly those with specialized training, which greatly influences salary trajectories in Cary's healthcare job market.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,142 | $22.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,278 | $26.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,491 | $31.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,873 | $37.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,599 | $47.88 |
Median Salary Position
5.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,457 (2026 est.). At $64,491, the local median is 5.36% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cary median: $64,491/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,170 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.36% less |
Surgical Technologists in Cary, NC earn a median of $64,491 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.50% above the North Carolina state average of $64,170.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,491 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,901 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,713
2025 BLS Actual
$61,187
2026 Current Est.
$64,491
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,047 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,962 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,363 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,806 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,187 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,974 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,713 (2019) to $61,187 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,974 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,261 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $47,142 – $55,278 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,278 – $64,491 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,491 – $78,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,873 – $99,599 |
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 Cary
Currently, Cary employs around 44 surgical technologists, making the local job market relatively stable. With a cost of living index of 93.6, professionals in this area enjoy better purchasing power compared to many other regions, despite slightly lower salaries. The highest-paying employers typically include hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers focusing on orthopedic or cardiac procedures. The variation in pay largely stems from the complexity of surgical specialties, with cardiovascular and neurosurgery positions commanding higher wages, followed by orthopedic or general surgery roles. Additionally, factors like being a surgical first assistant or holding certifications in robotic surgery can lead to bonus stipends. Candidates seeking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Cary, NC, should consider gaining certifications, exploring travel tech opportunities, and targeting specialties with higher demand and compensation.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
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 $61,187 for surgical technologistsin the Cary 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 Cary 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