Surgical Technologist Salary in Bristol, RI: $64,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Bristol, RI earns a median $64,828/year (≈ $31.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $64,505 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Rhode Island, surgical technologists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,828 in 2026. This salary is slightly below the national median of $68,141, indicating a competitive but nuanced local market for surgical professionals. The local salary range for this occupation spans from $47,281 at the tenth percentile to $93,710 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization within the field. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, show that those with robotic surgery certifications may find themselves at the upper end of this pay scale. As Bristol continues to adapt its healthcare offerings, the demand for skilled surgical technologists is expected to grow, further influencing salary dynamics.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,281 | $22.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,808 | $26.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,828 | $31.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,678 | $36.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,710 | $45.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, RI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,429 (2026 est.). At $64,828, the local median is 4.86% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $64,828/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $68,457 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.86% less |
Surgical Technologists in Bristol, RI earn a median of $64,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,828 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,505 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,952
2025 BLS Actual
$61,507
2026 Current Est.
$64,828
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,952 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,293 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,171 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,663 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,329 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,952 (2019) to $61,507 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,329 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,377 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $47,281 – $54,808 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,808 – $64,828 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,828 – $75,678 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,678 – $93,710 |
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 Bristol
Considering the local employment landscape, there are currently five surgical technologists working in Bristol, indicating a specialized niche within the healthcare sector. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, slightly above the national average, surgical technologists' take-home pay may have specific purchasing power implications in this market. Among local employers, those in hospital operating rooms generally command higher salaries, especially for specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where additional certifications and roles such as surgical first assistants can lead to significant pay premiums. To maximize compensation, prospective surgical technologists should consider pursuing robotic surgical system certifications and seeking roles at high-demand facilities, such as ambulatory surgery centers or trauma units. This strategic approach can lead to enhanced job prospects and greater earning potential in the Bristol job market.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Bristol?
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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 $61,507 for surgical technologistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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