Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Liberal, KS: $27.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Liberal, KS runs $27.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,770 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Liberal's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Liberal, Kansas, earn a median hourly rate of $27.77, which is notably lower than the national average of $32.76. This figure is significant for individuals considering part-time or per-diem work in various surgical settings, including main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, their income can reflect the upper and lower bounds of the local pay scale, which ranges from $21.80 on the entry level to $40.39 for the highest earners. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries, shedding light on the earnings landscape in Liberal for aspiring surgical technologists.
About the Liberal 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) | $21.80 | $174.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.68 | $197.48 |
| Median (P50) | $27.77 | $222.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.49 | $259.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.39 | $323.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberal
Based on $27.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.77/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberal, KS can expect to earn approximately $57,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,327. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,110.92 | $4,814 | $57,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.55 | $2,888 | $34,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.37 | $1,926 | $23,107 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Liberal) | $27.77 |
| 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 Liberal, KS earn a median of $57,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $61,918.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.77/hr = $34,661/year (purchasing power: $38,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,768/year (purchasing power: $63,551).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Liberal grew 33.9% from $19.69/hr (2019) to $26.35/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.27/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 Liberal 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 Liberal
When analyzing the earning potential for a surgical technologist working part-time, say three days a week for 24 hours, they could expect to make considerably less annually compared to full-time workers. However, per-diem surgical technologists in Liberal typically bill rates between $35 and $55, especially in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which can command rates as high as $75. Travel contracts provide even more lucrative opportunities, with weekly pay reaching $2,800 for specialized roles. Hourly pay varies based on the type of employer, with hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers often offering more stable salaries compared to the flexibility of an agency role. For surgical techs considering their options, the balance between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance plays a significant role in job decisions. Negotiating strategies should focus on articulating specialty skills, particularly in robotic surgery, as these certifications can enhance hourly compensation in a competitive market like Liberal's.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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
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 Liberal. 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 Liberal 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