Surgical Technologist Salary in Salem, OR: $82,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Salem, OR earns a median $82,223/year (≈ $39.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Salem's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $79,328 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.6% above the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in Salem, Oregon, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $82,223 in 2026, reflecting a notable increase compared to national figures. This local compensation exceeds the national median of $68,141 by 20.67%, highlighting the area's demand for skilled surgical assistants. The salary range in Salem varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $71,293, while experienced professionals can earn up to $100,899. These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and illustrate not only the competitive pay but also the advantages of pursuing certifications in specialized areas such as robotic surgery, which can further enhance earning potential in this evolving field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,293 | $34.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,727 | $39.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,223 | $39.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,751 | $47.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,899 | $48.51 |
Median Salary Position
20.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, OR, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,606 (2026 est.). At $82,223, the local median is 20.67% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Salem median: $82,223/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $69,917 | +17.60% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.67% more |
Surgical Technologists in Salem, OR earn a median of $82,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.67% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 17.60% above the Oregon state average of $69,917.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.65% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, OR has a cost-of-living index of 103.649 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,223 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $79,328 — a 3.52% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,050
2025 BLS Actual
$78,010
2026 Current Est.
$82,223
2019–2027 Growth
+54.6%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,663 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 39.2% from $56,050 (2019) to $78,010 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,663 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,613 (54.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $71,293 – $81,727 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,727 – $82,223 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,223 – $99,751 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,751 – $100,899 |
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 Salem
In Salem, the job market for surgical technologists remains robust, with approximately 100 professionals employed locally. The cost of living index stands at 103.649, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, the take-home pay must accommodate slightly elevated living expenses. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers typically offer the highest compensation, especially for roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where specialized skills command premium pay. Factors contributing to the salary differential include the demand for specific certifications, such as robotic surgery, and the need for surgical first assistants. To maximize earnings in this market, surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking opportunities in high-demand specialties or travel surgical positions, which often provide higher rates.
More salary data for Salem, OR:
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 $78,010 for surgical technologistsin the Salem 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