PayByState

Pennsylvania · BLS SOC 29-2055

Surgical Technologist salary in Pennsylvania

Median $59,400 · Top 10% earn $77,490+ · Roughly 4,941 workers in Pennsylvania. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Pennsylvania median
$59,400
$28.56/hr
Top 10%
$77,490
90th percentile
Bottom 10%
$39,050
Entry-level range
Real pay
$61,364
CoL-adjusted (RPP 96.8)

Pennsylvania pays close to the U.S. median for surgical technologists — $59,400 versus the national median of $60,610. Real purchasing power tracks roughly the U.S. average. The state employs roughly 4,941 surgical technologists.

What drives surgical technologist pay in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's major academic medical centers (UPMC, Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health) drive above-median surgical tech wages. Robotic surgery teams pay the largest in-state premium.

Pennsylvania ranks #23 of 50 states

Where Pennsylvania sits in the national distribution for surgical technologist pay, and the closest comparable states above and below.

Rank State Median vs. Pennsylvania
#22 Virginia $60,000 +$600
#21 Maine $60,000 +$600
#20 Arizona $60,000 +$600
#23 Pennsylvania (this page) $59,400 —
#24 Utah $58,790 −$610
#25 Texas $58,190 −$1,210
#26 Wisconsin $58,190 −$1,210
See all 50 states →

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Education path for Pennsylvania

The typical path is a postsecondary nondegree certificate (1–2 yr program), taking about 18 months. Tuition ranges from $5,000 (community college) to $28,000 (private accelerated). On the Pennsylvania median of $59,400, payback periods are typically 1 years or less from a starting income near minimum wage.

For full credentialing detail and the realistic career outlook, see the Surgical Technologist salary overview. To run your own numbers, use the ROI calculator with Pennsylvania selected.

Surgical Technologist salary in Pennsylvania — FAQ

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median surgical technologist salary in Pennsylvania is $59,400 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $39,050; the top 10% earn $77,490 or more. About 4,941 people work in this role across the state.
How does Pennsylvania surgical technologist pay compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania's median of $59,400 is $1,210 below the U.S. national median of $60,610. After adjusting for Pennsylvania's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 96.8), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $61,364.
Is surgical technologist a good career in Pennsylvania?
On the data: Pennsylvania employs roughly 4,941 surgical technologists, with a median wage of $59,400 and the top decile clearing $77,490. The role is projected to grow +5% nationally over the next decade. Whether it's "good" for you depends on whether the work suits you and whether you're positioned for the in-state metros that pay above the median.
What's the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Pennsylvania?
At the Pennsylvania median of $59,400 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $28.56/hr. The top 10% earn around $37.25/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $18.77/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

Pennsylvania-level wage data sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 release (SOC 29-2055: Surgical Technologists), with state pay indexes from BLS area-comparison tables. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023 release, where Pennsylvania's RPP is 96.8 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.