Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Topeka, KS: $30.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Topeka, KS runs $30.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Topeka's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologist hourly pay in Topeka, Kansas, is projected to be $30.07 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $32.76. This discrepancy may impact professionals in the area, especially those working part-time in high-demand settings like hospital operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers. For a surgical technologist working three days a week, their earnings would reflect a consistent hourly rate, translating into a reliable income stream whether they opt for regular shifts or per-diem work. In Topeka, the hourly rate ranges from $19.86 for entry-level positions to $46.60 for top earners, indicating varied opportunities based on experience and specialization. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and shed light on the financial prospects within this growth-oriented profession.
About the Topeka 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) | $19.86 | $158.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.92 | $207.34 |
| Median (P50) | $30.07 | $240.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.06 | $304.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.60 | $372.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Topeka
Based on $30.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.07/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Topeka, KS can expect to earn approximately $62,547 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,085. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Topeka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Topeka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.82 | $5,212 | $62,547 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.69 | $3,127 | $37,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.13 | $2,085 | $25,019 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Topeka) | $30.07 |
| 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 Topeka, KS earn a median of $62,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.22% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.00% above the Kansas state average of $61,918.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.07/hr = $37,528/year (purchasing power: $41,285).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,547/year (purchasing power: $68,808).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Topeka grew 34.3% from $21.25/hr (2019) to $28.53/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.69/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 Topeka 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 Topeka
Looking deeper into the earning potential for surgical technologists in Topeka reveals the appeal of part-time and per-diem work. For a surgical tech on a three-day workweek, the annual take-home is significantly impacted by their choice to work less than full-time. Per diem surgical technologists often command higher hourly rates, typically ranging from $35 to $55, with specialists in fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery earning even more, averaging between $50 and $75. The hourly rates vary widely across different employer types; for instance, those in military or VA surgical units may face different pay scales than those in private hospital settings. Many professionals must weigh these hourly rates against the benefits offered by full-time positions, such as health insurance, which create a trade-off between immediate compensation and long-term security. Additionally, negotiation tactics specific for Topeka can enhance compensation; understanding local job market trends and being open to diverse work arrangements can empower surgical technologists to optimize their pay.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Topeka in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Topeka?
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How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Topeka?
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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 Topeka. 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 Topeka 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