Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Huron, SD: $44,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,914 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,399 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,316) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist profession in Huron, South Dakota, expectations for starting pay can vary significantly. In 2026, the projected entry-level surgical technologist salary in Huron is around $44,914, which is notably lower than the city median salary of $58,316. This indicates a gap that new grads may need to bridge as they gain experience in their roles. However, there is promising growth potential within the first few years of employment. Those starting at the entry-level wage can look forward to incrementally increasing their pay as they achieve milestones—moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $51,035 within a few years, and eventually approaching the median salary as they gain more experience. Overall, Huron presents a reasonable market for entry-level surgical technologists, especially considering factors like the local cost of living, which is below the national average.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level surgical technologists in Huron, SD typically start between $44,914 and $51,035 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,672 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,316 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in South Dakota of $9,000 represents just 20.04% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($44,914/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $44,914 to $51,035, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron'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 Huron is $36,672 ( 81.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,914, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,586.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,000
2025 BLS Actual
$42,613
2026 Current Est.
$44,914
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,649 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,256 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,697 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,532 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,613 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,339 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,000 in 2019 to $42,613 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,339. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
Employers in Huron typically hiring new grad surgical technologists include hospital operating rooms, which usually provide general specialty rotations for fresh graduates. Additionally, ambulatory surgery centers offer a no-call lifestyle, making them attractive for those looking for a balanced work-life experience early in their careers. Many hospitals are keen to hire certified surgical technologists, thus emphasizing the importance of obtaining the CST credential through the NBSTSA and training from a CAAHEP-accredited program, especially in the context of post-2021 federal hiring standards. Furthermore, continuing education and specialization can enhance starting pay, particularly for surgical technologists who progress towards roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which command higher wages. With realistic growth expectations, new grads can anticipate steady pay increases in their first three years, especially if they pursue certifications such as robotic surgery (da Vinci) or CSFA for surgical first assistant roles.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Huron in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Huron?
Is surgical services school worth it in Huron?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Huron?
How do I become a surgical technologist in South Dakota?
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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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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