Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $27.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Emporia, KS runs $27.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,305 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $27.49 in 2026, which is notably below the national average of $32.76 per hour. For those working part-time—typically around three days a week—this rate allows for a decent income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Surgical technologists often find employment in various settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. The hourly range in Emporia varies significantly, starting from about $21.23 for entry-level positions to as high as $39.39 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specific skills required in different surgical specialties.
About the Emporia 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) | $21.23 | $169.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.76 |
| Median (P50) | $27.49 | $219.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.48 | $267.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.39 | $315.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $27.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.49/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $57,176 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,986. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.53 | $4,765 | $57,176 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.72 | $2,859 | $34,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.81 | $1,906 | $22,870 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Emporia) | $27.49 |
| 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 Emporia, KS earn a median of $57,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $61,953.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.49/hr = $34,305/year (purchasing power: $37,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,176/year (purchasing power: $62,900).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Emporia grew 33.9% from $19.48/hr (2019) to $26.08/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.97/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 Emporia 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 Emporia
When considering the financial prospects of part-time surgical technologists in Emporia, individuals working a typical 24-hour week might earn less annually compared to full-time colleagues. For those opting for per diem roles, the pay can increase substantially; per diem surgical technologists often bill between $35 and $55 per hour, and specialists in cardiovascular or neuro surgery can command even higher rates, with figures reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts may also present lucrative opportunities, with pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. It's also crucial to recognize how hourly rates differ based on employer types. While some facilities offer lower rates with comprehensive benefits, others provide higher hourly wages without health insurance, posing a trade-off that professionals must navigate. Negotiation tactics are vital in this field, helping surgical technologists secure compensation that reflects their skill level, experience, and the specific job requirements in Emporia, KS.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Emporia in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Emporia?
Are surgical technologists in Emporia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Emporia?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Emporia?
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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 Emporia. 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 Emporia 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