Surgical Technician Salary in New York 2026: Key Insights
Have you ever wondered what surgical technicians in New York might earn in 2026? With the healthcare industry’s constant evolution, understanding future salary trends can be challenging. As a surgical technician, keeping abreast of these trends is crucial, especially if you’re considering navigating career paths or deciding on educational investments like a surgical technician program. In this article, we will explore current data, potential trends, and the influence of the Association of Surgical Technologist on your career prospects.
Salary Overview
When considering a career as a surgical technician in New York, understanding the salary landscape is crucial. While national data from the BLS for 2026 is not yet available, we can offer insights based on existing data and projections.
National vs New York Comparison
The national median salary for surgical technologists in 2024 was documented by the BLS, but specific figures for 2026 are not directly accessible. The national mean wage also remains unquoted due to the same limitations. However, employment growth is expected, with a 6% increase projected from 2023 to 2033, leading to approximately 8,700 new openings annually. This growth trend suggests increasing demand and potential salary rises.
In New York, salaries are often higher due to the cost of living and demand for skilled healthcare professionals. However, specific 2026 figures are not detailed in the available data. Generally, surgical technicians in New York can expect competitive compensation compared to the national average.
Salary Ranges
Reportedly, travel and specialized positions, such as those in the cardiovascular operating room (CVOR), offer weekly pay from $1,700 to $3,003, translating to potential annual earnings between $88,400 and $156,156 if continuous employment is assumed over 52 weeks[1]. Average New York Salaries: For city-specific roles, data is limited, but New York surgeries often offer higher salaries than other states due to increased living costs and demand for specialized roles.
Geographic Analysis: New York
Metropolitan Comparisons
Significant variations exist within New York’s metropolitan areas, affecting salary expectations. For instance, salaries in New York City are typically higher than in smaller cities or rural areas, often reflecting the higher cost of living.
| City | Typical Salary Range (per year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NYC | ~$65,000 – ~$94,000+ | Higher cost of living; high demand jobs. [4] |
| Buffalo | ~$70,000 – ~$111,000+ | Strong local demand; some surveys show higher averages than NYC. [4] |
| Albany | ~$55,000 – ~$93,000+ | Mid-range pay relative to NYC/Buffalo.[4] |
Surgical technician salaries in New York vary by city and local demand. In New York City, annual pay typically ranges from about $65,000 to over $94,000 [4], driven by a high cost of living and strong demand for skilled professionals. Buffalo often reports even higher earnings, with salaries ranging from roughly $70,000 to more than $111,000 [4] per year, reflecting strong local demand and survey data that sometimes surpass NYC averages. In Albany, surgical technicians earn comparatively mid-range salaries, generally between $55,000 and $93,000 [4] annually, placing it below Buffalo and closer to—but still competitive with—New York City.
Cost of Living Context
The cost of living in New York City is among the highest in the U.S., which often translates into higher salaries for surgical technicians to attract talent. However, this also means higher expenses.
Salary Trends for 2026
While limited data is available, the projected growth rate of 6% in the surgical technologist field from 2023 to 2033 indicates a positive trend. Continued national demand is predicted, potentially driving salaries upward over the next few years. More job openings imply higher competition among employers to attract skilled professionals, likely resulting in competitive compensation packages.
Factors Affecting Salary
Surgical technician salaries are influenced by several factors:
- Certification: Having certifications, like CST, often leads to higher salaries.
- Specialties: Technicians specializing in high-demand areas can earn significantly more, as demonstrated by CVOR travel roles.
- Work Setting: Positions in hospitals typically offer higher pay compared to outpatient clinics.
- Geographic Factors: Urban areas, especially those with high living costs, tend to provide higher salaries.
Conclusion
The salary range for surgical technologists in New York falls between $71,704 and $123,172 [5]. Understanding the dynamics of surgical technicians’ earnings through factors like geographic variation, hospital type, and specialty can equip you with vital knowledge for career planning.
- Average salary in New York, NY: $93,978[5]
- Top-paying cities include New York City with wages up to $50.90/hour[3]
- Key factors affecting earnings: location, hospital type, certifications
- Growth outlook: Detailed data unavailable, BLS offers general industry growth insights
For detailed career strategies, explore our comprehensive surgical technologist career advancement guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average surgical technologist salary in New York in 2026?
The average salary for a surgical technologist in New York is unavailable for 2026. However, the current average is approximately $57,429 annually[2].
How much does an entry-level surgical technologist make in New York?
Entry-level surgical technologists in New York typically start at slightly lower rates than experienced individuals, but exact figures vary by institution and city. The lower end would be close to $55,000 [4] in Albany, for instance.
What certifications increase surgical technologist salary the most?
Certifications like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) can significantly impact earnings, opening opportunities in specialized fields such as neurosurgery and cardiac surgery.
Is surgical technologist salary expected to increase in 2027?
While specific forecasts for 2027 aren’t available, salaries are generally expected to follow industry trends and adjust for inflation and demand.
Do travel surgical technologists make more than staff surgical technologists?
Yes, travel surgical technologists often earn higher wages, with recent data showing weekly averages around $1,829[2] due to the flexibility and demands of travel positions.
Visit our travel surgical technologists salary guide for more information.
Sources
[1] AMN Healthcare. www.amnhealthcare.com
[2] Vivian Health, Nov 10, 2025. www.vivian.com
[3] NewYork-Presbyterian, no explicit year. nyp.org
[4] Indeed, https://www.indeed.com/career/surgical-technologist/salaries/New-York–NY?utm_source=chatgpt.com
[5] Indeed, https://www.indeed.com/career/surgical-technologist/salaries/New-York–NY