Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Cedar Park, TX: $44,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Cedar Park, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,935 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Park's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,807 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,843) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Park, Texas, the starting surgical technologist salary is projected at $44,935 in 2026, which places it noticeably below the city's median annual salary of $65,843. For new graduates entering this field, understanding the compensation spectrum is critical; while entry-level positions may begin at this lower threshold, there is potential for growth to $53,869 after gaining experience. Over the first few years, many newcomers can reasonably expect their pay to increase steadily as they develop their skills and take on more responsibilities, ultimately aiming to reach the median salary level. Given the local market conditions and the projected 5.40% growth rate, Cedar Park presents a viable environment for new surgical technologists, making it an encouraging landscape for those starting their careers.
About the Cedar Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Park
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 Cedar Park
Entry-level surgical technologists in Cedar Park, TX typically start between $44,935 and $53,869 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,134 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,843 — 3.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 22.25% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($44,935/year) in Cedar Park. 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 Cedar Park
- 1Research the Cedar Park market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $44,935 to $53,869, 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 Cedar Park, 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 Cedar Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Park'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 Cedar Park is $56,134 ( 124.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,935, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,069.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,014
2025 BLS Actual
$42,633
2026 Current Est.
$44,935
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cedar Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,014 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,664 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,272 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,375 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,633 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,362 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Park, TX grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,014 in 2019 to $42,633 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,362. New graduates entering the Cedar Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Park 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 Cedar Park
Employers in Cedar Park that frequently hire new graduates include various hospitals, which often maintain a high demand for Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) with general specialty rotations. Additionally, ambulatory surgery centers are appealing for their no-call lifestyle, providing a favorable entry point for new graduates. To enhance their earning potential, early-career surgical technologists should prioritize obtaining credentials that are increasingly important in the Texas job market, such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and CST certification through the NBSTSA. Continuing education in niches like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can lead to higher starting wages, as these specialties tend to command premium pay. Moreover, obtaining robotic surgery certification can serve as a significant advantage for new grads, especially as more facilities adopt advanced surgical technologies. Early career strategies should include actively pursuing continued professional development and considering opportunities for specialization to maximize growth over the first few working years.
More salary data for Cedar Park, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is surgical services school worth it in Cedar Park?
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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 Cedar Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Park 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