Independent salary research. Not affiliated with BLS, NBSTSA, AST, or any employer. Figures based on BLS OES May 2024 (SOC 29-2055).
Ranked #6 nationally | State registration required

Surgical Technologist Salary in Washington State (2026) - $72,190/yr

Washington ranks #6 nationally at $72,190/yr. No state income tax makes take-home significantly better than comparable-pay states like Minnesota. Washington is one of the states with a surgical tech registration law, so out-of-state candidates must register before practicing.

$72,190
+14% above national
State mean annual
$34.71
vs national $30.32
Mean hourly
3,980
surgical techs employed
Employment
$59,172
COL index 122
COL-adjusted

Washington Highlights

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro pays approximately $76,140/yr. Top employers include University of Washington Medical Center (Level I trauma), Harborview Medical Center (Level I, public), Providence Health System (multiple facilities), Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Kaiser Permanente Washington (strong union contracts).

Important: Washington requires surgical technologist registration. Out-of-state applicants need to register with the Washington State Department of Health before starting work. The CST credential is required as part of the registration process. Processing time is typically 4-8 weeks. No state income tax in Washington, which adds approximately 5-7% to effective take-home pay vs. states with income taxes.