Surgical Technologist Salary in Benton, AR: $58,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Benton, AR earns a median $58,010/year (≈ $27.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $66,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Benton, Arkansas, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $58,010, significantly lower than the national median of $68,141. The projected salary range further reflects this disparity, with earnings anticipated to fall between $41,031 at the 10th percentile and $83,424 at the 90th percentile. These figures, which are based on 2025 BLS data projected into 2026, demonstrate the local market's unique economic conditions, including a cost of living index of 86.9, indicating that Benton offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. Despite the lower salary figures, the opportunity for specialization in areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery—fields known for commanding higher premiums—can contribute significantly to salary potential, making it crucial for surgical technologists in Benton to pursue these lucrative avenues.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,031 | $19.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,483 | $23.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,010 | $27.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,151 | $33.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,424 | $40.10 |
Median Salary Position
14.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,393 (2026 est.). At $58,010, the local median is 14.87% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Benton median: $58,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $59,194 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -14.87% less |
Surgical Technologists in Benton, AR earn a median of $58,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $59,194.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $58,010 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,755 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,119
2025 BLS Actual
$55,038
2026 Current Est.
$58,010
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,119 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,599 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,161 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,143 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $41,119 (2019) to $55,038 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,143 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,024 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,031 – $48,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,483 – $58,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,010 – $70,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,151 – $83,424 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Benton
The job market in Benton currently employs only five surgical technologists, indicating a relatively limited but steady demand in the region. Given the lower cost of living, the purchasing power of surgical technologist salaries may stretch further than in higher-cost areas, making Benton an appealing location for those entering or advancing in the field. Employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers typically offer the best compensation, particularly for technologists who are certified in robotic surgery or hold the surgical first assistant credential. The spread between the lower and upper ends of the salary spectrum here results from factors such as specialization, on-call requirements, and trauma center designations. For individuals in Benton looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay, pursuing additional certifications, such as robotic surgery proficiency, could significantly enhance their employment prospects and earning potential within this market.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,038 for surgical technologistsin the Benton metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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