Surgical Technologist Salary in Leland, NC: $59,615 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Leland, NC earns a median $59,615/year (≈ $28.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Leland's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $63,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Leland, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,615 in 2026. This figure, while reflecting the local healthcare landscape, falls approximately 12.51% below the national median of $68,141. Within the local market, salaries range from $46,605 at the 10th percentile to $84,166 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential influenced by the type of surgical facility and the complexity of procedures performed. The choice of employment in hospital operating rooms versus ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers can significantly shape earnings. As Leland continues to grow, the demand for skilled surgical technologists remains strong, promising opportunities for those willing to advance their skill set and certifications.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,605 | $22.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,674 | $25.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,615 | $28.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,905 | $35.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,166 | $40.46 |
Median Salary Position
12.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
In Leland, NC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,561 (2026 est.). At $59,615, the local median is 12.51% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Leland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Leland Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Leland median: $59,615/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Leland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,171 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.51% less |
Surgical Technologists in Leland, NC earn a median of $59,615 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.10% below the North Carolina state average of $64,171.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Leland 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.
Leland, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,615 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,691 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,257
2025 BLS Actual
$56,561
2026 Current Est.
$59,615
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,257 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,026 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,615 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Leland metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,257 (2019) to $56,561 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,578 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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) | $46,605 – $52,674 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,674 – $59,615 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,615 – $72,905 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,905 – $84,166 |
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 Leland
In terms of job market dynamics, Leland has a relatively small workforce with only six surgical technologists currently employed. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 93.6, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for surgical technologists in the area may be more favorable than it appears at first glance. Facilities that offer the highest pay include specialized surgical centers focusing on fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where advanced certifications such as robotic surgery training may further enhance earning capacity. The variation in salaries can often be attributed to factors like specialty demand, call coverage requirements, and the pay premium associated with travel surgical tech positions. To maximize pay in this market, it is advisable for professionals to pursue advanced certifications, such as those from the AST or the NBSTSA, and consider roles that not only leverage their experience but also match the demands of local healthcare providers seeking proficient surgical support.
More salary data for Leland, 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 $56,561 for surgical technologistsin the Leland 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 Leland 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