Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Texarkana, TX: $45,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,414 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,306 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,495) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Texarkana, the initial salary outlook is relatively competitive. With a starting salary of approximately $45,414 as projected for 2026, new surgical techs can expect to earn less than the city median of $64,495. Within the first several years, however, entry-level professionals have the opportunity to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $53,552 as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 5.40%, Texarkana offers a favorable environment for new surgical technologists starting their careers. This growth demonstrates that even entry-level positions can evolve into more lucrative opportunities over time, making Texarkana a viable market for newcomers in the healthcare field.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level surgical technologists in Texarkana, TX typically start between $45,414 and $53,552 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,776 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,495 — 5.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 22.02% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,414/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,414 to $53,552, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $46,776 ( 103.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,414, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,190.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,345
2025 BLS Actual
$43,087
2026 Current Est.
$45,414
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,447 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,866 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,345 in 2019 to $43,087 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,866. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
In Texarkana, local hospitals and outpatient surgical centers are typically the primary employers of newly graduated surgical technologists. General practice positions in hospital operating rooms tend to welcome new graduates, offering valuable hands-on experience. Ambulatory surgery centers present an attractive option for those desiring a no-call work-life balance, while specialized surgical facilities may prefer candidates with prior experience. To enhance starting salaries in Texas, it is beneficial for new surgical technologists to complete a program accredited by CAAHEP and achieve CST certification through NBSTSA, meeting the federal hiring standard established since 2021. Exploring certifications in specialties like robotic surgery can boost marketability, encouraging higher pay. As new grads establish themselves, realistic salary growth within the first three years could lead to elevated earnings, particularly in fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where demand is consistently strong.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Texarkana in 2026?
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Is surgical services school worth it in Texarkana?
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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 Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana 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