Surgical Technologist Salary in Burien, WA: $77,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Burien, WA earns a median $77,124/year (≈ $37.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $71,810 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Burien, Washington, can expect a projected median annual salary of $77,124 in 2026, positioning them above the national median of $68,141. This competitive wage not only reflects the local job market's demand but also incorporates the unique specialty premiums that come with advanced surgical roles, especially in cardiovascular and neurosurgery. The salary range for this profession is anticipated to be between $56,586 at the 10th percentile and $118,538 at the 90th percentile. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, highlighting the potential to earn significantly more based on local demand for skilled surgical technologists. Candidates who specialize in higher-stakes areas stand to benefit greatly, making this a lucrative field in the Burien job market.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,586 | $27.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,001 | $31.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,124 | $37.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,215 | $46.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,538 | $56.99 |
Median Salary Position
13.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,952 (2026 est.). At $77,124, the local median is 13.18% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Burien median: $77,124/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $77,512 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +13.18% more |
Surgical Technologists in Burien, WA earn a median of $77,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.18% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $77,512.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,124 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,810 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,668
2025 BLS Actual
$73,173
2026 Current Est.
$77,124
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,668 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,263 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,928 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,337 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,289 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $54,668 (2019) to $73,173 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,621 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $56,586 – $66,001 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,001 – $77,124 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,124 – $97,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,215 – $118,538 |
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 Burien
The local employment environment for surgical technologists in Burien is modest, with only eight professionals currently working in the area. Given that Burien has a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which indicates higher living expenses compared to the national average, the level of surgical technologist pay needs to align with these financial realities to ensure adequate purchasing power. While hospitals often have the most demand for surgical technologists, ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers—including those focusing on orthopedic or cardiothoracic disciplines—may offer higher salaries. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to various factors such as the complexity of the procedures, the level of certification held (like robotic surgery credentialing), and additional responsibilities like call coverage or trauma care. Aspiring surgical technologists in Burien should consider obtaining advanced certifications or targeting specialty sectors to maximize their income potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 $73,173 for surgical technologistsin the Burien 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 Burien 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