Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Dodge City, KS: $28.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Dodge City, KS runs $28.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,599 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Dodge City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,160 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dodge City, Kansas, the surgical technologist hourly pay rests at a median of $28.17, which is significantly lower than the national median of $32.76. This disparity suggests that practitioners may find themselves in a challenging financial environment, especially if they work part-time in settings such as hospital main operating rooms or specialty surgical centers. For those considering part-time roles, a surgical technologist working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $1,800 monthly, while per-diem workers—who typically command a higher rate—can significantly enhance their income. The hourly pay ranges from $20.76 at the entry level to $40.36 for top earners, reflecting the varied levels of experience and specialization. Overall, understanding these figures is crucial for those seeking careers in surgical technology within the context of Dodge City, where health care jobs are inherently linked to community needs.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.76 | $166.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.07 | $192.59 |
| Median (P50) | $28.17 | $225.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.97 | $271.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.36 | $322.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dodge City
Based on $28.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.17/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dodge City, KS can expect to earn approximately $58,601 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,808. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dodge City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dodge City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,126.94 | $4,883 | $58,601 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.16 | $2,930 | $35,160 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.77 | $1,953 | $23,440 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Dodge City) | $28.17 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Dodge City, KS earn a median of $58,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.40% below the Kansas state average of $61,944.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.17/hr = $35,160/year (purchasing power: $38,680).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,601/year (purchasing power: $64,467).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Dodge City grew 33.9% from $19.97/hr (2019) to $26.73/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.69/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Dodge City
Examining the potential earnings of surgical technologists illuminates several paths available in Dodge City. A surgical technologist working part-time for three days a week, putting in around 24 hours, may take home close to $43,200 annually, which is quite different from the full-time commitment that would yield a higher income. For those in the per-diem category, it’s not uncommon to see billing rates between $35 and $55 an hour, with specialized positions in cardiovascular or neurosurgery capable of reaching $50 to $75. Furthermore, engaging in travel contracts may draw week-long earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly appealing in a state with lower average surgical technologist hourly rates. The context of the employer also plays a role in pay variations, with ambulatory surgical centers and specialty surgical centers offering different compensation structures compared to military or VA units. While some may opt for positions that provide benefits despite a lower hourly rate, others may prioritize higher pay for the flexibility it brings. When negotiating for desired roles in Dodge City, keeping these dynamics in mind can prove advantageous in securing optimal compensation tailored to individual career goals.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Dodge City in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Dodge City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge City 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