Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Vicksburg, MS: $42,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Vicksburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,258 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Vicksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,309 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,068) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the job market, the entry-level surgical technologist salary in Vicksburg, Mississippi, is projected to start around $42,258 in 2026. While this figure is below the median annual salary for all surgical technologists in the area, which is estimated at $56,068, it provides a manageable entry point into a rewarding career. New grads can expect a growth trajectory in their earnings, moving towards the lower quartile salary of $48,395 within the first few years of employment. Given that the overall job market for surgical technologists is expanding at a rate of 5.40% annually, Vicksburg currently presents a viable market for recent graduates seeking employment in a field with plenty of opportunities for both growth and specialization.
About the Vicksburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Vicksburg
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 Vicksburg
Entry-level surgical technologists in Vicksburg, MS typically start between $42,258 and $48,395 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,163 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,068 — 17.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Mississippi of $7,000 represents just 16.56% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($42,258/year) in Vicksburg. 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 Vicksburg
- 1Research the Vicksburg market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $42,258 to $48,395, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Vicksburg, 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 Vicksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Vicksburg'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 Vicksburg is $35,163 ( 83.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,258, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,421.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,166
2025 BLS Actual
$40,093
2026 Current Est.
$42,258
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Vicksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,166 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,777 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,230 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,468 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,455 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,093 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,540 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Vicksburg, MS grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,166 in 2019 to $40,093 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,540. New graduates entering the Vicksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vicksburg 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 Vicksburg
Employers in Vicksburg seeking to fill surgical technologist positions typically include local hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, which often prioritize applicants with a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program. In this area, new grad surgical technologists can secure roles in operating rooms where they're exposed to a variety of surgical specialties, though those looking for a better work-life balance may favor ambulatory surgery centers, which typically offer schedules that do not include on-call shifts. Obtaining certification as a CST through the NBSTSA significantly enhances starting pay and job competitiveness, and additional certifications like the CSFA for first assistant roles can elevate one’s earnings even further. Realistically, within the first three years, new surgical technologists can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and pursue specialized training, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where the potential for higher earnings is substantial.
More salary data for Vicksburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Vicksburg in 2026?
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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 Vicksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vicksburg 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