Surgical Technologist Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $73,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $73,917/year (≈ $35.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $68,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Ellensburg, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $73,917 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position within the healthcare landscape. With a salary range from $54,886 at the 10th percentile to $103,690 at the 90th percentile, compensation varies significantly based on factors such as the type of surgical facility. Whether working in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical centers, job roles can influence earning potential. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local costs, position Ellensburg's surgical technologist salaries about 8.48% higher than the national median, indicating a relatively solid job market for these skilled professionals in the area.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,886 | $26.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,202 | $30.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,917 | $35.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,414 | $42.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,690 | $49.85 |
Median Salary Position
8.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,804 (2026 est.). At $73,917, the local median is 8.48% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $73,917/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $77,481 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +8.48% more |
Surgical Technologists in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $73,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.48% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $77,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,917 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,824 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,394
2025 BLS Actual
$70,130
2026 Current Est.
$73,917
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,394 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,924 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,644 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,748 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,767 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,909 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $52,394 (2019) to $70,130 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,515 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $54,886 – $63,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,202 – $73,917 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,917 – $88,414 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,414 – $103,690 |
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 Ellensburg
The surgical technologist job market in Ellensburg is characterized by a small yet stable workforce, with only six individuals currently employed in this role. The cost of living index at 107.4 suggests that while salaries are higher than the national average, they are balanced by increased living expenses. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms usually provide the most competitive pay, particularly for surgical technologists specializing in areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Various factors drive salary variations, including specialty focus, call coverage obligations, and certifications such as robotic surgery. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists in Ellensburg should pursue additional training, certifications, and consider taking on travel assignments, particularly given the growing demand for specialty services in the area.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 $70,130 for surgical technologistsin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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