Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $27.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Wichita, KS runs $27.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,121 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Surgical technologists in Wichita, Kansas, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $27.34 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $32.76, illustrating a regional pay discrepancy. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this translates to potential earnings that are suited for balancing both work and personal commitments in settings like hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to make around $22.77 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top end of the spectrum can command as much as $33.14 per hour, according to reliable Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.77 | $182.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.48 | $203.80 |
| Median (P50) | $27.34 | $218.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.54 | $252.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.14 | $265.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $27.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.34/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $56,869 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,809. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,093.63 | $4,739 | $56,869 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.18 | $2,843 | $34,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.45 | $1,896 | $22,748 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Wichita) | $27.34 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $56,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.55% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 8.20% below the Kansas state average of $61,943.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.34/hr = $34,121/year (purchasing power: $38,362).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,869/year (purchasing power: $63,936).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wichita grew 40.1% from $18.52/hr (2019) to $25.94/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.82/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
When considering part-time work in Wichita, a surgical technologist working just 24 hours a week could bring home a more modest annual income compared to full-time peers. For many professionals, per diem surgical technologist pay in Wichita often ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with those in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neuro surgery potentially earning between $50 and $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts can yield substantial weekly earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, particularly for positions in cardiac surgery. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on employer types, with hospitals, surgical centers, and VA units offering varied pay structures. For some, accepting a lower hourly wage may provide the benefit of health insurance, while others might prefer higher rates without benefits. Negotiating pay in Wichita can be advantageous by highlighting specialized skills, particularly for those with certifications in robotics or advanced surgical techniques, reflecting the ongoing demand for quality surgical care in the region.
More salary data for Wichita, 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 Wichita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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