Surgical Technologist Salary in Olympia, WA: $76,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Olympia, WA earns a median $76,747/year (≈ $36.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Olympia's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $71,459 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Olympia, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $76,747 in 2026, reflecting a healthy 12.63% increase over the national average of $68,141. The salary range for this role varies significantly, with earnings projected between $51,726 at the 10th percentile and up to $112,119 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the diverse opportunities available across different healthcare settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. As the demand for surgical services continues to grow in Olympia, professionals in this field are well-positioned for favorable compensation compared to many other cities in Washington.
About the Olympia Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,726 | $24.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,909 | $32.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,747 | $36.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,411 | $44.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,119 | $53.90 |
Median Salary Position
12.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Olympia
In Olympia, WA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,393 (2026 est.). At $76,747, the local median is 12.63% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Olympia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Olympia Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Olympia median: $76,747/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Olympia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $77,522 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +12.63% more |
Surgical Technologists in Olympia, WA earn a median of $76,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.63% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.00% below the Washington state average of $77,522.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Olympia has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Olympia, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,747 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,459 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,480
2025 BLS Actual
$72,815
2026 Current Est.
$76,747
2019–2027 Growth
+45.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Olympia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,591 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,891 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Olympia metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 31.2% from $55,480 (2019) to $72,815 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,891 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,411 (45.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Olympia 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) | $51,726 – $66,909 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,909 – $76,747 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,747 – $93,411 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,411 – $112,119 |
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 Olympia
The local job market for surgical technologists is modest, with just 13 professionals employed in Olympia. However, the cost of living in the area, indexed at 107.4, emphasizes the challenge of maximizing take-home pay. Hospitals generally offer the most competitive salaries for surgical technologists, followed closely by specialty surgical centers that focus on fields such as orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery. Important factors influencing salary variation include specialization in high-demand areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, additional certifications such as robotic surgery training, and roles that include surgical first assistance. To enhance earnings in Olympia, aspiring surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking out positions in expanding specialty centers, and staying informed about local job openings that offer premium pay for trauma center assignments or travel positions.
More salary data for Olympia, 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 $72,815 for surgical technologistsin the Olympia 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 Olympia 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