Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Benbrook, TX: $45,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Benbrook, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,924 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Benbrook's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,838 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,710) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a surgical technologist in Benbrook, Texas, presents new graduates with a realistic entry-level pay ranging from $45,924 to $53,154, reflecting the initial phase of their professional journey. With a median annual salary of $62,710 for the city, there is a noticeable gap to bridge as one advances from entry-level positions to mid-career roles. The growth trajectory is promising, allowing new graduates to anticipate salary increases as they gain experience, skills, and possibly attain specialized credentials. With a projected growth rate of 5.40%, Benbrook remains an encouraging market for new technologists eager to begin their careers in surgical settings.
About the Benbrook Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Benbrook
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 Benbrook
Entry-level surgical technologists in Benbrook, TX typically start between $45,924 and $53,154 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,083 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,710 — 7.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 21.78% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,924/year) in Benbrook. 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 Benbrook
- 1Research the Benbrook market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,924 to $53,154, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Benbrook, 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 Benbrook for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Benbrook's moderate 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 Benbrook is $45,083 ( 98.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,924, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,007.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,697
2025 BLS Actual
$43,571
2026 Current Est.
$45,924
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Benbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,697 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,164 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,404 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Benbrook, TX grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,697 in 2019 to $43,571 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,404. New graduates entering the Benbrook job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benbrook 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 Benbrook
In Benbrook, employers like hospital operating rooms are key destinations for entry-level surgical technologists, often prioritizing candidates from CAAHEP-accredited programs. New grads may find opportunities through ambulatory surgery centers, which provide a favorable no-call lifestyle, while specialty surgical centers generally seek those with more experience or specific skills. Credentials such as a CST certification from NBSTSA are increasingly vital in the hiring process, especially since the federal standard now requires CAAHEP-accredited education. Furthermore, those aspiring to stand out might consider additional qualifications, such as robotic surgery certification, which can enhance starting pay and open doors to advanced positions. In the first few years, surgical technologists can expect to see steady salary growth reflecting their expanding expertise and contributions to the field in Benbrook, TX.
More salary data for Benbrook, TX:
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 Benbrook. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benbrook 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