Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $92,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,802/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,664 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, the potential for top-tier pay as an experienced surgical technologist in South Burlington, Vermont, is significant, particularly for seasoned professionals. With a projected median annual salary of $64,260, the most experienced individuals stand to make as much as $92,802, which not only highlights the financial rewards for advanced career mastery but also creates a stark contrast with the median income. This income gap illustrates the considerable experience premium available to senior surgical technologists. Achieving such compensation requires not only dedication but also a diverse skill set, including specialization in high-demand surgical fields and participation in advanced training programs, which can foster upward mobility in salary and responsibilities.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $78,508 and $92,802 per year (2026 est.). This $46,433 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $64,260 sits 5.7% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,260 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,508 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,802 | $102,175 |
In South Burlington, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 44.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,260 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,508–$92,802 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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 Vermont 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 South Burlington
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #5 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $92,802).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in South Burlington ($92,802) is 0.52% below the Vermont average P90 ($93,292).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,850
2025 BLS Actual
$88,047
2026 Current Est.
$92,802
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,973 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,926 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,813 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $64,850 in 2019 to $88,047 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 $97,813 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Analyzing the job market for senior surgical technologists in South Burlington reveals several factors influencing compensation. Specialties such as cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery typically command the highest pay, with certifications in robotic surgery, especially with da Vinci systems, serving as a substantial differentiator among peers. Employment type further complicates salary dynamics; those working in hospital operating rooms often earn more than their counterparts in ambulatory surgical centers or specialty clinics. Additionally, opportunities for advancement can elevate earnings; roles such as lead surgical tech or OR supervisor are within reach for those willing to pursue further credentials like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Advanced training, including holding a CST credential, can lead to increased salary potential, as evidenced by the willingness of employers to reward those who meet the latest federal hiring requirements. Further, non-salary benefits such as coverage for on-call shifts and trauma center designations contribute significantly to the full compensation package for top surgical technologists in this region.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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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 $88,047 for surgical technologists in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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