Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Topeka, KS: $41,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,303 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,438 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,537) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Recent graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Topeka, Kansas, can anticipate a starting surgical technologist salary in Topeka around $41,303 in 2026. While this is noticeably below the city median annual salary of $62,537, it represents a solid foundation for growth. With initial experience, entry-level technologists can move up to $53,918 by the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median in a few years. This growth trajectory—including the 5.40% expected annual growth rate—shows promise for those beginning their careers. Given these figures and the current demand for surgical technologists, Topeka remains a favorable market for new graduates seeking to enter the healthcare industry.
About the Topeka Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Topeka
Entry-level surgical technologists in Topeka, KS typically start between $41,303 and $53,918 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,629 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,537 — 8.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Kansas of $8,000 represents just 19.37% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($41,303/year) in Topeka. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $41,303 to $53,918, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Topeka, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Topeka is $55,629 ( 134.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,303, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,932.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,890
2025 BLS Actual
$39,187
2026 Current Est.
$41,303
2019–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,187 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,533 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,890 in 2019 to $39,187 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,533. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Topeka
Employers in Topeka hiring newcomers in this profession primarily include hospital operating rooms, which typically onboard graduates with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers may appeal to those looking for a no-call lifestyle, while specialized surgical centers like orthopedic or ophthalmology clinics often prefer experienced surgical technologists. To enhance their starting pay in Kansas, new graduates should focus on obtaining a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, while pursuing CST certification through the NBSTSA is crucial to meet the federal hiring standard established in 2021. Additionally, certifications in robotic surgery (da Vinci) can set candidates apart and should be pursued as part of a strategy to advance in the first 1-3 years. Overall, newcomers can expect steady salary growth in both clinical settings, especially if they target high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Topeka. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Topeka is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov