Surgical Technologist Salary in Wheeling, WV: $56,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Wheeling, WV earns a median $56,147/year (≈ $26.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $64,910 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Wheeling, West Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $56,147, which reflects the local healthcare structure where hospitals often offer more stable employment compared to ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and specialty surgical facilities. The salary range for this role extends from $41,935 at the 10th percentile to $81,023 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial variability in compensation based on experience, specialization, and type of employer. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, thus providing a relevant context for job seekers assessing opportunities in Wheeling’s healthcare environment. The job market may present solid career paths, especially for those with specialized certifications or skills that align with the needs of local surgical facilities.
About the Wheeling Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,935 | $20.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,437 | $23.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,147 | $26.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,195 | $32.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,023 | $38.96 |
Median Salary Position
17.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, WV, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,088 (2026 est.). At $56,147, the local median is 17.6% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $56,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $58,916 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -17.60% less |
Surgical Technologists in Wheeling, WV earn a median of $56,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.60% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.70% below the West Virginia state average of $58,916.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheeling, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $56,147 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,910 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,780
2025 BLS Actual
$53,270
2026 Current Est.
$56,147
2019–2027 Growth
+60.9%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,988 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,178 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 44.8% from $36,780 (2019) to $53,270 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,178 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,398 (60.90%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $41,935 – $48,437 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,437 – $56,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,147 – $68,195 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,195 – $81,023 |
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 Wheeling
Currently, only five surgical technologists are employed in Wheeling, highlighting a niche job market where competition may be lower, but growth is anticipated at a 5.40% annual rate. The cost of living index in Wheeling is notably lower at 86.5, which can positively influence purchasing power for health professionals. Surgical technologist pay in Wheeling can vary significantly, with hospital operating rooms typically offering the highest compensation compared to ASCs and specialty centers. The disparity in salaries can often be attributed to the complexities of surgical specialty work, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, as well as additional factors like call coverage, robotic surgery certifications, and the demand for travel surgical technologists. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should pursue certifications, consider roles in higher-paying specialties, and remain adaptable to the evolving surgical landscape in Wheeling, WV.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
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 $53,270 for surgical technologistsin the Wheeling 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 Wheeling 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