What are the main factors that influence a CST's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A CST's salary?

A CST's salary grows with experience: starting around $59,007 for beginners, reaching about $64,817 at mid-level, and approach $65,544 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a CST?

CST salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for CST roles are District of Columbia $60,401, California $60,101, Massachusetts $59,301. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of CST roles make?

Salaries for CST level roles vary by specialization: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): $56,090; Tech CST: $55,757.

CST Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a CST make in District of Columbia?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CST in District of Columbia is $60,401 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, a CST's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,932
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,301 to $70,101
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,926

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CST Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$70,101	$5,842	$1,348	$34
Average	$60,401	$5,033	$1,162	$29
25th Percentile	$52,301	$4,358	$1,006	$25

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Key Factors That Influence CST Salaries

A CST's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CST Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CST's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $59,007
Early Career (1-2 years): $60,745
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $64,817
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $65,253
Expert (over 8 years): $65,544

Levels	Salary
Entry Level CST	$59,007
Intermediate Level CST	$60,745
Senior Level CST	$64,817
Specialist Level CST	$65,253
Expert Level CST	$65,544

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What Am I Worth?

How Do CST Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CSTs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $60,401.
California: $60,101.
Massachusetts: $59,301.

District of Columbia $60,401 California $60,101 Massachusetts $59,301 Washington $59,101 New Jersey $59,101 Alaska $59,001 Connecticut $58,301 New York $57,901

Hawaii $57,001 Rhode Island $56,501 Maryland $56,201 Minnesota $55,801 Colorado $55,601 Illinois $55,601 Oregon $55,401 Delaware $55,201

New Hampshire $55,101 Virginia $54,901 Pennsylvania $54,301 Nevada $54,001 North Dakota $53,801 Michigan $53,701 Wisconsin $53,601 Vermont $53,501

Maine $53,201 Texas $53,201 Arizona $53,101 Ohio $53,101 Georgia $52,601 Indiana $52,301 Wyoming $52,301 Utah $52,201

Iowa $52,201 Kansas $51,901 Missouri $51,801 Louisiana $51,801 North Carolina $51,801 Florida $51,601 Montana $51,501 Nebraska $51,401

Kentucky $51,301 South Carolina $51,101 Tennessee $50,901 Idaho $50,901 New Mexico $50,501 Oklahoma $50,401 Alabama $50,101 South Dakota $49,501

Arkansas $49,301 West Virginia $49,101 Mississippi $48,601

Top Paying Cities for CSTs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $60,001
Washington: $60,001
Naval Anacost Annex: $60,001

Parcel Return Service, DC $60,001 Washington, DC $60,001 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $60,001 Washington Navy Yard, DC $60,001

CST Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CST's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on May 01, 2026

$52,301

Average $60,401/year

$70,101

$4,358

Average $5,033/month

$5,842

$1,006

Average $1,162/week

$1,348

$25

Average $29/hour

$34

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$70,101	$5,842	$1,348	$34
Average	$60,401	$5,033	$1,162	$29
25th Percentile	$52,301	$4,358	$1,006	$25

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