Surgical Technologist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $69,142 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $69,142/year (≈ $33.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $66,998 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $69,142 in 2026, surgical technologists in Suffolk, Virginia, are positioned favorably compared to national standards. This figure indicates a slight increase of 1.47% over the national median of $68,141, highlighting the competitive nature of this evolving field. Salaries for surgical technologists in Suffolk range from $51,393 at the lower end (P10) to $106,923 at the upper echelon (P90). These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and cost of living, which currently sits at a CoL index of 103.2—suggesting a somewhat more expensive living environment than the national average. The integration of robotic surgery certifications is playing a significant role in shaping salaries, as local employers seek professionals equipped with advanced skills in high-tech surgical methods.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,393 | $24.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,668 | $28.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,142 | $33.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,609 | $40.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,923 | $51.40 |
Median Salary Position
1.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,530 (2026 est.). At $69,142, the local median is 1.47% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $69,142/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $70,338 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +1.47% more |
Surgical Technologists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $69,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.47% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $70,338.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,142 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,998 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,010
2025 BLS Actual
$65,600
2026 Current Est.
$69,142
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,501 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,142 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,876 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $49,010 (2019) to $65,600 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,876 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,866 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $51,393 – $59,668 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,668 – $69,142 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,142 – $83,609 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,609 – $106,923 |
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 Suffolk
In Suffolk, there are currently 15 surgical technologists employed, indicative of a niche but stable job market. The relatively high cost of living, reflected in the CoL index, affects take-home pay and purchasing power for surgical technologists in the area. Hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and military or VA units often offer the most lucrative salaries, particularly for those working in cardiovascular and neurosurgery specialties where demand is strongest. Factors contributing to the wide pay disparity include specialty focus, call coverage requirements, and additional stipends for robotic surgery certifications. To maximize earnings, aspiring surgical technologists in Suffolk should consider pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specializations, while also being open to opportunities in travel surgical tech, which may offer higher pay rates compared to permanent positions in local facilities.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
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 $65,600 for surgical technologistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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