Surgical Technologist Salary in Harrisonburg, VA: $69,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Harrisonburg, VA earns a median $69,298/year (≈ $33.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Harrisonburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $67,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Harrisonburg, Virginia, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $69,298 in 2026, slightly above the national figure of $68,141. The salary range for this profession spans from $51,758 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $105,124 at the upper end (90th percentile). These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, accounting for regional cost adjustments. This competitive compensation is influenced by the choice of employer type, with hospital operating rooms typically offering higher salaries compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers. As the healthcare landscape evolves, surgical technologists in Harrisonburg should be aware of these variables that directly affect their earning potential.
About the Harrisonburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,758 | $24.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,989 | $28.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,298 | $33.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,519 | $41.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,124 | $50.54 |
Median Salary Position
1.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harrisonburg
In Harrisonburg, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,366 (2026 est.). At $69,298, the local median is 1.7% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harrisonburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harrisonburg Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Harrisonburg median: $69,298/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harrisonburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,354 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +1.70% more |
Surgical Technologists in Harrisonburg, VA earn a median of $69,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.70% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Virginia state average of $70,354.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harrisonburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Harrisonburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,298 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,149 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,120
2025 BLS Actual
$65,748
2026 Current Est.
$69,298
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Harrisonburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,554 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,354 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,041 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harrisonburg metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $49,120 (2019) to $65,748 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,041 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,921 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harrisonburg 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) | $51,758 – $59,989 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,989 – $69,298 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,298 – $86,519 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,519 – $105,124 |
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 Harrisonburg
With a limited workforce of just 11 surgical technologists employed in the area, the job market remains niche but stable. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that living expenses are slightly elevated compared to the national average. This reality plays a significant role in determining purchasing power and can impact take-home pay for surgical technologists in this region. Hospitals, particularly those engaging in specialty surgeries like orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, tend to offer more competitive wages. The disparity in salaries often stems from several factors, including specialty base pay, call coverage requirements, and the advanced certification in robotic surgery (da Vinci). To maximize compensation, surgical technologists in Harrisonburg should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the surgical first assistant role, which can lead to premium pay. Staying updated with industry trends and obtaining specialized training can significantly enhance one's salary prospects in this evolving market.
More salary data for Harrisonburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Harrisonburg?
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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 $65,748 for surgical technologistsin the Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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