worthsay

Surgical Technology Salary in Washington: Is It a Good Career?

Washington · 2026 BLS salary data

Surgical Technology pay in Washington

The median wage is $77,270/yr — 20% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Washingtonranks #10 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Washington

Real BLS state-level figures for Surgical Technology.

Median salary
$77,270/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$62,330 – $90,620
National median
$64,650/yr
Employed in Washington
2,510

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Washington

Salary alone can mislead — Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
107
Nominal median
$77,270
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $72,215
State income tax
None

Washington's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #14 of 51, down from #10 on raw salary.

Washington levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do surgical technology professionals make in Washington?

The median annual wage is $77,270 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $62,330 and $90,620. That's 20% above the national median.

Is Washington a good state for surgical technology?

By raw pay, Washington ranks #10 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $72,215. Washington's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #14 of 51, down from #10 on raw salary. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are surgical technology professionals in demand in Washington?

About 2,510 people work in this field in Washington (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +4.5% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Surgical Technology nationally — Washington pay is 20% above the national median. See the full Surgical Technology career guide →

The verdict

Yes as an affordable entry into the operating room — surgical technology offers decent pay from a short program and steady demand. Pay plateaus and the OR environment is high-pressure, so many use it as a foothold into nursing or other clinical roles.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Decent pay from a short program (1-2 years)
  • Steady, recession-resistant demand
  • Front-row role in surgery
  • Foothold toward nursing or other clinical paths
  • Clean, structured clinical setting

Cons

  • Pay plateaus fairly quickly
  • High-pressure operating-room environment
  • Long shifts, on-call, standing for hours
  • Limited advancement without more schooling
  • Exposure to intense clinical situations

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting a quick entry into surgical care
  • Those comfortable in high-stakes settings
  • Anyone using it as a step toward nursing

✗ Probably not if…

  • People wanting high pay or a steep ladder
  • Those who struggle in high-pressure environments

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Surgical Technology is worth it — titles link to the original threads.