Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Norfolk, NE: $45,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Norfolk, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,426 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Norfolk's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,646 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,067) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For aspiring surgical technologists in Norfolk, Nebraska, entering the field in 2026 brings starting salaries at around $45,426, which can be a challenging figure in relation to the city median of $58,067. This suggests a typical gap that many new graduates may need to navigate as they start their careers. However, with time, there is potential for salary growth from entry-level positions, moving through the P25 mark at $51,512 to the overall median as early-career professionals gain experience. Given a projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Norfolk presents a reasonable job market for recent graduates, particularly when considering the increasing need for skilled surgical technologists in various healthcare settings.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Norfolk
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 Norfolk
Entry-level surgical technologists in Norfolk, NE typically start between $45,426 and $51,512 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,868 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,067 — 14.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Nebraska of $10,000 represents just 22.01% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,426/year) in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk
- 1Research the Norfolk market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,426 to $51,512, 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Norfolk'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 Norfolk is $36,868 ( 81.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,426, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,294.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,353
2025 BLS Actual
$43,099
2026 Current Est.
$45,426
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,646 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,941 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,099 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,879 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Norfolk, NE grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,353 in 2019 to $43,099 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,879. New graduates entering the Norfolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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 Norfolk
In Norfolk, hospitals are the primary employers for newly minted CSTs, with operating rooms being a key area for hiring. Ambulatory surgery centers, offering a no-call lifestyle, also welcome new graduates seeking a better work-life balance. To enhance starting pay in Nebraska, obtaining a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program is vital, along with CST certification from NBSTSA. While many centers prefer experienced staff, specializing in fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can lead to higher pay in subsequent years. Additionally, gaining robotic surgery certification (da Vinci) can differentiate a new grad in the job market. With realistic expectations, those starting in this profession can anticipate steady increases in their salaries in the first few years as they build competence and credentials.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Norfolk in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Norfolk?
Is surgical services school worth it in Norfolk?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Norfolk?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Nebraska?
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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 Norfolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Norfolk 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