Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Kingston, NY: $98,462 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Kingston, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,462/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Kingston's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,954 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, senior surgical technologists in Kingston, NY can anticipate a median annual salary of $68,889, with top earners making as much as $98,462. This potential aligns competitively with the national top surgical technologist salary of $68,141, showcasing a slight advantage for Kingston's professionals by approximately 1.10%. The significant distance between the median and the 90th percentile underscores an experience premium that rewards those with 7 or more years in the field. Achieving this top-tier pay involves advanced training, specialization in high-demand areas such as neurosurgery or robotic surgery, and potentially assuming leadership roles within surgical settings. This trajectory not only enhances an individual’s earning potential but also elevates their career status within the healthcare landscape of Kingston.
About the Kingston Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingston
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Kingston earn between $83,528 and $98,462 per year (2026 est.). This $43,519 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kingston median of $68,889 sits 1.1% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Kingston | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,889 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,528 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,462 | $102,175 |
In Kingston, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 42.93% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Kingston
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $68,889 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kingston employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Kingston command premium compensation, often reaching the $83,528–$98,462 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kingston metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Kingston with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Kingston
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKingston ranks #26 of 39 New York cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $98,462).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Kingston ($98,462) is 9.6% below the New York average P90 ($108,922).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,805
2025 BLS Actual
$93,417
2026 Current Est.
$98,462
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kingston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,805 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,453 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,721 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,462 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,778 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Kingston saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $68,805 in 2019 to $93,417 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $103,778 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingston 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Kingston
Healthcare specializations play a critical role in dictating compensation for senior surgical technologists in Kingston. Fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery are particularly lucrative, often commanding premium pay due to the complexity and urgency of procedures. Additionally, the type of employer significantly influences salary levels; for instance, positions in hospital operating rooms tend to offer more competitive pay than those in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers. Career advancement opportunities also abound, ranging from OR supervisor to surgical first assistant roles, particularly with certifications like CST and CSFA. Those with advanced credentials and specialization can expect additional financial incentives such as stipends for robotic surgery certification or enhanced pay for trauma center assignments. In this competitive job environment, non-salary compensations, including call coverage and travel rates, can further enhance overall earnings for experienced surgical technologists.
More salary data for Kingston, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Kingston in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Kingston?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Kingston?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Kingston?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Kingston?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $93,417 for surgical technologists in the Kingston metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingston 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