Surgical Technologist Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $59,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pinehurst, NC earns a median $59,562/year (≈ $28.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pinehurst's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $67,427 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $59,562 for 2026, surgical technologists in Pinehurst, NC, experience compensation that is notably lower than the national average of $68,141. The salary range reflects a wide disparity in earnings, from $38,629 at the 10th percentile to $85,279 at the 90th percentile. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and highlights that those working in higher-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can expect to earn premiums that elevate their pay significantly beyond the local norm. In particular, those who achieve competencies such as robotic surgery certifications or who take on surgical first assistant roles often see tangible benefits in their earning potential, shaping the job market for surgical technologists in the Pinehurst area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,629 | $18.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,527 | $23.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,562 | $28.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,497 | $31.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,279 | $41.00 |
Median Salary Position
12.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, NC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,650 (2026 est.). At $59,562, the local median is 12.59% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pinehurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pinehurst Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pinehurst median: $59,562/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pinehurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,183 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.59% less |
Surgical Technologists in Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $59,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.59% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.20% below the North Carolina state average of $64,183.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pinehurst has a cost of living 11.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pinehurst, NC has a cost-of-living index of 88.336 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,562 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,427 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.2% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,219
2025 BLS Actual
$56,510
2026 Current Est.
$59,562
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,451 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,778 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pinehurst metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $42,219 (2019) to $56,510 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,778 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,559 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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) | $38,629 – $49,527 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,527 – $59,562 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,562 – $66,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,497 – $85,279 |
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 Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, the employment climate is robust, with around 130 surgical technologists fulfilling critical roles in various healthcare settings. Given the region's cost of living index at 88.336, the purchasing power for these professionals is relatively enhanced compared to more expensive markets. Facilities like hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers are typically among the top payers, especially for those who hold additional specialties or certifications. Factors influencing the significant earnings gap include the demand for specific skills, availability of call coverage, and the preference for surgical techs to take on trauma centers or roles involving advanced technology. For those looking to maximize earnings in Pinehurst, focusing on specialized certifications, exploring opportunities in ambulatory surgery centers, and considering travel surgical tech positions can enhance salary prospects and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Pinehurst, 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 $56,510 for surgical technologistsin the Pinehurst 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, 2-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