Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Powell, WY: $46,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,403 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,437 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,325) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing a career as surgical technologists in Powell, Wyoming, can expect a starting salary around $46,403, which is significantly lower than the city's overall median annual salary of $60,325. This entry-level pay reflects the initial investment in training and certification, offering a pathway to earn more as experience grows. Over the first three to five years, these professionals can potentially move up in the salary range, with the 25th percentile earning $52,942 as they gain skills and familiarity in the operating room. Given the local healthcare market, which is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.40%, Powell can be considered an attractive place for new surgical technology graduates to launch their careers, particularly when they realize the advantages of positioning themselves for future salary increases.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level surgical technologists in Powell, WY typically start between $46,403 and $52,942 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,289 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,325 — 11.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 21.55% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,403/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,403 to $52,942, 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 Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $40,289 ( 86.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,403, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,692.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,028
2025 BLS Actual
$44,026
2026 Current Est.
$46,403
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,698 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,391 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,947 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,996 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,909 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,028 in 2019 to $44,026 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,909. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
For those entering the field in Powell, the primary employers are typically hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, both of which are known to welcome new surgical technologist graduates eager to learn. While hospitals may provide a more conventional environment, ambulatory settings often feature a no-call schedule that can appeal to new entrants seeking work-life balance. New professionals should consider obtaining their CST certification through NBSTSA, as it's now recognized as the federal hiring standard following the requirement changes in 2021. Ongoing education and certifications, such as robotic surgery training or a CSFA designation, can provide competitive advantages and higher starting pay. Those specializing in high-demand areas, including cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can see notable increases in their salaries over the first few years as well, as employers recognize the value of these specialized skills in the evolving landscape of surgical technology.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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