Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $97,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Forest Grove, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,707/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Forest Grove's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,231 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
Achieving the upper echelons of the surgical technologist profession in Forest Grove, Oregon, presents a lucrative opportunity for seasoned professionals. In 2026, the top surgical technologist salary in Forest Grove is projected to reach $97,707, with those in the 75th percentile earning approximately $82,267. This stark contrast to the median annual salary of $68,258 illustrates a significant experience premium for senior-level technologists. To meet the criteria for this top-tier pay, individuals typically need over seven years of experience, often supplemented by advanced certifications such as the CST credential. Furthermore, building specialized skill sets in high-demand areas can further enhance earning potential, making advanced career moves vital for maximizing compensation in this field.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Forest Grove
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Forest Grove earn between $82,267 and $97,707 per year (2026 est.). This $49,527 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Forest Grove median of $68,258 sits 0.17% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Forest Grove | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,258 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,267 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,707 | $102,175 |
In Forest Grove, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 43.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Forest Grove
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $68,258 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Forest Grove employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Forest Grove command premium compensation, often reaching the $82,267–$97,707 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove 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 Oregon 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 Forest Grove
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedForest Grove ranks #21 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $97,707).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Forest Grove ($97,707) is 5.22% below the Oregon average P90 ($103,091).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,278
2025 BLS Actual
$92,701
2026 Current Est.
$97,707
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,913 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,811 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,983 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Forest Grove saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $68,278 in 2019 to $92,701 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 $102,983 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove
Compensation varies considerably depending on the specific role and employment setting for experienced surgical technologists in Forest Grove. Exceptional pay can be found in specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where professionals command higher rates due to the intricate nature of the procedures. Additionally, working in different environments—such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military surgical units—can offer varying salary scales and benefits at the senior level. Those pursuing leadership roles, like OR supervisor or sterile processing supervisor, can also expect higher compensation packages. Securing certifications like the CSFA for surgical first assistants can further elevate pay. Other drivers include call coverage incentives and specialty stipends, particularly in high-stakes roles, ensuring that senior surgical technologists maximize their earning potential in Forest Grove and throughout Oregon.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Forest Grove in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Forest Grove?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Forest Grove?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Forest Grove?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Forest Grove?
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 $92,701 for surgical technologists in the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove 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