Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH: $89,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Cleveland Heights, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,374/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Cleveland Heights's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,538 in average-cost America. The 44% 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 Cleveland Heights, Ohio, can anticipate a median annual salary of $62,141, with top earners (P90) achieving as much as $89,374. This potential for significant compensation highlights a notable experience premium, particularly when comparing the median salary to that of the highest earners. To reach this top-tier pay level, professionals must not only accumulate over seven years of experience but also consider specialization in high-demand surgical fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Effective networking and continuing education, such as obtaining the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification, are also crucial for advancing in this competitive market.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland Heights
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Cleveland Heights earn between $75,152 and $89,374 per year (2026 est.). This $43,282 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleveland Heights median of $62,141 sits 8.81% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleveland Heights | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,141 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,152 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,374 | $102,175 |
In Cleveland Heights, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 43.82% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Cleveland Heights
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $62,141 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleveland Heights employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Cleveland Heights command premium compensation, often reaching the $75,152–$89,374 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights 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 Ohio 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 Cleveland Heights
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleveland Heights ranks #45 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $89,374).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Cleveland Heights ($89,374) is 2.02% above the Ohio average P90 ($87,605).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,455
2025 BLS Actual
$84,795
2026 Current Est.
$89,374
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,426 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,718 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,200 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Cleveland Heights saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $62,455 in 2019 to $84,795 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 $94,200 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights
In Cleveland Heights, specialized surgical technologists in fields like robotic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and trauma surgery command a higher pay scale, making them desirable hires for hospitals and specialty surgical centers. Employment settings significantly impact compensation; for example, those working in hospital operating rooms typically earn more than their counterparts in ambulatory surgery centers or military facilities. Advancement to leadership roles, such as Lead Surgical Tech or OR Supervisor, can further enhance earning potential, offering not only higher salaries but also additional benefits. For experienced surgical technologists, obtaining advanced credentials, including certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), can unlock additional financial incentives. Non-salary benefits, such as stipends for on-call work or proficiency in robotic systems, increasingly play a role in overall senior surgical technologist pay in Ohio's healthcare system.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Cleveland Heights in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Cleveland Heights?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Cleveland Heights?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Cleveland Heights?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Cleveland Heights?
Related Pages
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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 $84,795 for surgical technologists in the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights 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