How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make in Washington in 2026?

A typical Surgical Tech in Washington earns about $37.15 per hour ($77,270 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from the annual figure, that works out to roughly $6,439 a month and $1,486 a week. Pay varies by employer, shift, and city, but this figure reflects the typical Surgical Tech across the state.

That typical pay is 20% above the national figure of $64,650 a year, well above the national hourly figure of $31.08 as well. Washington ranks 10th among all 51 states for Surgical Tech pay. About 2,510 Surgical Techs work across the state, compared with 117,460 nationwide, a workforce large enough to produce a reliable wage figure.

Entry-level positions in Washington typically offer around $26.57 an hour ($55,270 a year) for Surgical Techs just starting out. Pay generally moves toward the typical $37.15 hourly figure within the first several years on the job. New hires in hospital operating rooms or outpatient surgery centers usually start at the lower end of this range.

Experienced Surgical Techs in Washington often earn upwards of $43.57 an hour ($90,620 a year), and the top 10% of earners make over $49.85 an hour ($103,690 a year). That leaves a $48,420 spread between entry-level and top pay. Setting, years of experience, and city all play into where an individual lands within that range.

Washington's Surgical Tech pay has climbed steadily over the past decade, from $52,510 in 2015 to $77,270 in 2025. That is a gain of $24,760, or 47%, over ten years. The increase has been fairly steady year over year, with the sharpest jumps coming between 2022 and 2024.

Nationwide, Surgical Tech pay rose 46% over the same period, just below Washington's rate. Washington's growth has tracked closely with the national trend, staying slightly ahead. For someone entering the field now, this history shows pay has moved up steadily in recent years. Nothing guarantees that pattern will continue at the same pace.

Pay runs highest in the Vancouver metro area, where Surgical Techs typically earn $82,430 a year, about 7% above the statewide figure. The Mount Vernon and Bellingham areas also post strong figures, at $81,470 and $75,970 a year. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

Pay is lowest in the East Wenatchee area, at $63,590 a year, a spread of $18,840 between the highest- and lowest-paying cities. Tacoma holds the largest Surgical Tech workforce in the state, with 1,460 employed there at a typical $79,900 a year. Higher pay in cities like Vancouver and Seattle generally tracks a higher cost of living.

Washington's neighbors show a mixed picture. Oregon pays slightly more, at $81,390 a year, about 5% higher than Washington, and Alaska runs close behind at $80,380, roughly 4% higher. Idaho pays less, at $72,550 a year, about 6% lower than Washington. Surgical Tech licensure or certification earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, easing a move across the region.

Surgical Techs in Washington typically earn $77,270 a year ($37.15 an hour), a figure that has climbed 47% over the past decade. Pay ranks well above the national figure and among the highest in the region. For specific requirements, check Washington's state licensing or registry page, and for local figures, see the city pages for Vancouver, Tacoma, Seattle, and other Washington metro areas.