Surgical Technologist Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $64,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Wilkes-Barre, PA earns a median $64,629/year (≈ $31.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Wilkes-Barre's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $66,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania can expect a median annual salary of $64,629. This reflects a slight difference from the national median of $68,141, marking a 5.15% lower rate compared to the national average. The salary range for surgical technologists in this region spans from $46,199 at the 10th percentile to $93,515 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the varying compensation levels based on experience, certifications, and roles within surgical settings. The projected figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The Wilkes-Barre job market appears stable with specialized competencies, such as robotic surgery certification, influencing pay differentials and contributing to a positive outlook for employment opportunities in surgical technology.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,199 | $22.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,375 | $26.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,629 | $31.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,504 | $37.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,515 | $44.96 |
Median Salary Position
5.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,316 (2026 est.). At $64,629, the local median is 5.15% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Wilkes-Barre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilkes-Barre Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Wilkes-Barre median: $64,629/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilkes-Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $65,680 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.15% less |
Surgical Technologists in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $64,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.15% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,680.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilkes-Barre has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilkes-Barre, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,629 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,354 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,811
2025 BLS Actual
$61,318
2026 Current Est.
$64,629
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,811 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,029 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,486 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,676 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,318 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,119 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $45,811 (2019) to $61,318 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,119 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,308 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $46,199 – $54,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,375 – $64,629 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,629 – $78,504 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,504 – $93,515 |
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 Wilkes-Barre
In this market, 11 surgical technologists are currently employed, highlighting a modest but steady demand in healthcare settings. The local cost-of-living index sits at 97.4, suggesting that while salaries might lag behind the national average, the purchasing power in Wilkes-Barre remains relatively favorable. Surgical technologists in this area tend to earn more in environments like hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers focused on orthopedics or cardiothoracic procedures. The distinction in pay is primarily driven by specialty areas, with cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles commanding higher wages due to the complexity and required expertise. Moreover, obtaining advanced certifications, such as in robotic surgery or seeking roles as surgical first assistants, can significantly enhance earning potential. Strategic moves, such as pursuing travel surgical tech positions, may also yield higher compensation rates and provide valuable experiences across various surgical disciplines within Wilkes-Barre PA.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
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 $61,318 for surgical technologistsin the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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