Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $43,662 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,662 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,576 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,665) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheyenne, Wyoming, new graduates can expect an entry-level surgical technologist salary around $43,662 in 2026. This initial figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $64,665, highlighting a significant gap for those just starting out in their careers. However, as new professionals gain experience, they can anticipate a salary increase to approximately $56,382 within a few years. The growth trajectory in the field is promising, making Cheyenne a reasonable market for recent graduates with its projected annual growth rate of 5.40%. This upward potential in earnings offers a motivating outlook for aspiring surgical technologists entering the workforce.
About the Cheyenne Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne
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 Cheyenne
Entry-level surgical technologists in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $43,662 and $56,382 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,941 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,665 — 5.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 22.90% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($43,662/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne
- 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $43,662 to $56,382, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $54,941 ( 125.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,662, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,603.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,135
2025 BLS Actual
$41,425
2026 Current Est.
$43,662
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,767 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,425 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,662 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,020 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,135 in 2019 to $41,425 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,020. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne
Employers in Cheyenne that often hire new grad surgical technologists primarily include hospital operating rooms, which typically recruit recent graduates for general specialty rotations. Additionally, ambulatory surgery centers provide positions with a favorable no-call lifestyle, making them attractive to newcomers in the field. For those interested in boosting their starting pay, obtaining credentials such as the CST certification from the NBSTSA is vital following the 2021 federal hiring requirement, along with completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Over the first 1-3 years, continuing education and specialization, particularly in high-demand fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can significantly enhance salary outcomes. Obtaining a robotic surgery (da Vinci) certification could further demonstrate a commitment to advancing in a competitive market, favorably impacting new grad surgical technologist pay WY.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Cheyenne in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Cheyenne?
Is surgical services school worth it in Cheyenne?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Cheyenne?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Wyoming?
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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 Cheyenne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cheyenne 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