Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Kearney, NE: $45,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Kearney, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,715 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kearney's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,962 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,041) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level surgical technologist salary in Kearney, Nebraska, begins at approximately $45,715 for those just starting their careers. This starting pay is somewhat lower than the city median salary of $60,041, illustrating a gap that new graduates might expect as they break into the field. For early-career professionals, potential pay increases to $52,580 at the 25th percentile and can rise significantly as they gain experience, with seasoned technologists possibly earning up to $88,041. With a growth trajectory forecasted at 5.40% annually, the Kearney market presents a viable opportunity for newcomers to embark on a rewarding career in surgical technology, especially considering the relatively low cost of living in the area.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kearney
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 Kearney
Entry-level surgical technologists in Kearney, NE typically start between $45,715 and $52,580 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,326 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,041 — 11.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Nebraska of $10,000 represents just 21.87% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,715/year) in Kearney. 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 Kearney
- 1Research the Kearney market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,715 to $52,580, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kearney, 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 Kearney for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kearney'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 Kearney is $42,326 ( 92.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,715, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,041.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,553
2025 BLS Actual
$43,373
2026 Current Est.
$45,715
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,553 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,213 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,866 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,369 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,169 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,373 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,184 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kearney, NE grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,553 in 2019 to $43,373 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,184. New graduates entering the Kearney job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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 Kearney
Several employers in Kearney actively recruit fresh graduates for surgical technologist roles, particularly within hospital operating rooms where new CST grads can expect to start with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers are also appealing to new professionals because they typically offer no-call lifestyles, making them attractive options for those new to the field. To maximize starting pay, it’s advisable for new hires to complete a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, obtain CST certification from NBSTSA, and pursue additional certifications like CSFA for surgical first assistant roles. In the first few years, while the pay may start at modest levels, new grads can expect salary growth as they gain experience and specialize, especially in in-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Emphasizing continuing education and certifications, including robotic surgery training, will further position new surgical technologists advantageously in the Kearney job market.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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 Kearney. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearney 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