Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kansas City, MO: $31.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kansas City, MO runs $31.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kansas City's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.5, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,370 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kansas City, Missouri, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.55, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This rate provides a strong wage for those in part-time or per-diem roles, especially in typical environments like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical units. For individuals working three days a week, this equates to a respectable income while allowing for flexible scheduling. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level surgical technologists starting at $24.10, while top earners can make up to $40.83. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.10 | $192.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.13 | $233.06 |
| Median (P50) | $31.55 | $252.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.65 | $309.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.83 | $326.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kansas City
Based on $31.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.55/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kansas City, MO can expect to earn approximately $65,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,855. With a cost-of-living index of 92.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kansas City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kansas City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.85 | $5,468 | $65,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.11 | $3,281 | $39,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.74 | $2,187 | $26,246 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kansas City) | $31.55 |
| 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 Kansas City, MO earn a median of $65,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.80% above the Missouri state average of $64,451.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.55/hr = $39,370/year (purchasing power: $42,542).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,616/year (purchasing power: $70,903).
CoL index: 92.543 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kansas City grew 32.6% from $22.58/hr (2019) to $29.93/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.25/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 Kansas 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 Kansas City
Considering the earnings potential, part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours weekly can bring home an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem surgical technologists often capitalize on higher rates, commonly billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery often exceeding these figures. For travel surgical techs, contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand areas. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with hospitals generally offering competitive rates, whereas specialty surgical centers may provide premium pay but fewer benefits. The decision for many surgical technologists to accept lower hourly rates could boil down to the availability of crucial health benefits. Those seeking negotiation tips might consider highlighting their specialized certifications, including robotic surgery training, as leverage in discussions with prospective employers in Kansas City, MO.
More salary data for Kansas City, MO:
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 Kansas 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
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