PayByState

Washington · BLS SOC 29-2055

Surgical Technologist salary in Washington

Median $73,940 · Top 10% earn $106,620+ · Roughly 2,416 workers in Washington. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Washington median
$73,940
$35.55/hr
Top 10%
$106,620
90th percentile
Bottom 10%
$48,620
Entry-level range
Real pay
$67,341
CoL-adjusted (RPP 109.8)

Washington pays meaningfully above the U.S. median for surgical technologists — $73,940 versus the national median of $60,610. Real purchasing power is $6,731 above the U.S. average — a clean win. The state employs roughly 2,416 surgical technologists.

What drives surgical technologist pay in Washington

Washington's union density (especially at UW Medicine and Swedish) keeps surgical tech wages above national median. Robotic surgery credentialing pays a meaningful premium at major Seattle hospitals.

Top-paying metros in Washington

Washington-area metropolitan areas with the highest surgical technologist medians.

Washington metros

10 highest-paying metropolitan areas. Source: BLS OEWS metro tables, May 2024.

Rank Metro Median
1 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $81,400

Washington ranks #2 of 50 states

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

Rank State Median vs. Washington
#2 Washington (this page) $73,940 —
#3 Alaska $73,340 −$600
#4 District of Columbia $73,340 −$600
#5 New York $72,730 −$1,210
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Education path for Washington

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 Washington median of $73,940, payback periods are typically 0.7 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 Washington selected.

Surgical Technologist salary in Washington — FAQ

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Washington?
The median surgical technologist salary in Washington is $73,940 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $48,620; the top 10% earn $106,620 or more. About 2,416 people work in this role across the state.
How does Washington surgical technologist pay compare to the national average?
Washington's median of $73,940 is $13,330 above the U.S. national median of $60,610. After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 109.8), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $67,341.
Where does Washington pay surgical technologists the most?
Top-paying metros in Washington include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue at $81,400. These metros consistently pay 10–25% above the state median due to higher concentration of large hospital systems and specialty employers.
Is surgical technologist a good career in Washington?
On the data: Washington employs roughly 2,416 surgical technologists, with a median wage of $73,940 and the top decile clearing $106,620. 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 Washington?
At the Washington median of $73,940 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $35.55/hr. The top 10% earn around $51.26/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $23.38/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

Washington-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 Washington's RPP is 109.8 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.