Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Youngstown, OH: $78,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Youngstown, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,734/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Youngstown's price premium (BEA RPP 87.4, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,091 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Youngstown, Ohio, senior surgical technologists can anticipate a median annual salary of $61,111 in 2026, with the potential to reach top-tier earnings at $78,734 for the highest earners in the field. This represents a significant experience premium when compared to those at the median level. To attain these elevated salary levels, professionals often pursue advanced credentials, such as becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), or gain certifications in specialized areas like robotic surgery. The salaries in Youngstown reflect local market demand and present a competitive edge, especially considering the national median of $68,141. With continuous professional development and specialized skills, experienced surgical technologists can effectively position themselves for optimal compensation in this evolving healthcare landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Youngstown
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Youngstown earn between $64,326 and $78,734 per year (2026 est.). This $42,097 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Youngstown median of $61,111 sits 10.32% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Youngstown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,111 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,326 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,734 | $102,175 |
In Youngstown, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 28.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Youngstown
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $61,111 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Youngstown employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Youngstown command premium compensation, often reaching the $64,326–$78,734 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Youngstown 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 Youngstown 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 Youngstown
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedYoungstown ranks #66 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $78,734).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Youngstown ($78,734) is 10.13% below the Ohio average P90 ($87,605).
2019 BLS Actual
$55,960
2025 BLS Actual
$74,700
2026 Current Est.
$78,734
2019–2027 Growth
+48.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Youngstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,960 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,985 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Youngstown saw their compensation grow 33.5% from $55,960 in 2019 to $74,700 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 $82,985 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Youngstown 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 Youngstown
The compensation landscape for experienced surgical technologists in Youngstown is influenced heavily by specialization and workplace setting. Those with expertise in high-demand surgical areas, namely cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery, often see salaries surpassing their peers, particularly where advanced operative skills like robotic surgery certification come into play. Compensation fluctuates across different employer types; for instance, surgical technologists working in military or VA surgical units may find differing pay structures compared to those in private hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers. Career advancement is also available, leading to positions such as OR supervisor or sterile processing supervisor, each providing further income opportunities. Additionally, advanced credentials such as CST certification from the NBSTSA are crucial for those aiming to maximize their pay potential. Factors like call coverage and trauma center designation can offer non-salary benefits that enhance overall compensation for senior surgical technologists in this vibrant Ohio city.
More salary data for Youngstown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Youngstown in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Youngstown?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Youngstown?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Youngstown?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Youngstown?
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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 $74,700 for surgical technologists in the Youngstown 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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