Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Wichita Falls, TX: $46,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Wichita Falls, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,443 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,378 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Many new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Wichita Falls, TX, can expect to see starting salaries around the P10 threshold of $46,443 in 2026. This compensation is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $67,807, illustrating a considerable gap as new technologists work to prove their skills and gain experience. However, for recent graduates, there is a clear path for salary growth; as they transition from entry-level positions and accumulate experience, they could see their earnings rise to around $58,249 within the first few years. The projected 5.40% annual growth rate for this profession suggests that Wichita Falls not only offers entry-level opportunities but also provides a favorable economic environment for career advancement.
About the Wichita Falls Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita Falls
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 Wichita Falls
Entry-level surgical technologists in Wichita Falls, TX typically start between $46,443 and $58,249 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,127 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,807 — 0.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 21.53% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,443/year) in Wichita Falls. 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 Wichita Falls
- 1Research the Wichita Falls market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,443 to $58,249, 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 Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita Falls'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 Wichita Falls is $54,127 ( 116.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,443, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,570.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,055
2025 BLS Actual
$44,064
2026 Current Est.
$46,443
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wichita Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,727 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,273 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,951 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita Falls, TX grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,055 in 2019 to $44,064 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,951. New graduates entering the Wichita Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls is home to various employers that recruit entry-level surgical technologists, with hospitals hiring the majority of new graduates for roles in operating rooms. Ambulatory surgery centers offer an attractive lifestyle with no on-call requirements, while specialty surgical centers, such as those focusing on orthopedics or ophthalmology, tend to prefer more experienced candidates. New grads looking to increase their starting pay should consider obtaining credentials like the CST certification from the NBSTSA and completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, both of which have become the federal hiring standard since 2021. Focusing on specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can lead to higher earnings, as can gaining skills in robotic surgery, particularly with the da Vinci system. With realistic salary advancements during the first three years, these strategies can help newly graduated surgical technologists maximize their potential in the Wichita Falls job market.
More salary data for Wichita Falls, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Wichita Falls in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Wichita Falls?
Is surgical services school worth it in Wichita Falls?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Wichita Falls?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Texas?
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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 Wichita Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wichita Falls 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