Surgical Technologist Salary in Pine Bluff, AR: $57,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pine Bluff, AR earns a median $57,799/year (≈ $27.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pine Bluff's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $66,512 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists is $57,799 in 2026. This figure reflects a local market that is notably lower than the national median of $68,141, indicating a demand for these professionals within the region’s healthcare framework. Surgical technologists in this area can expect earnings to range from $40,714 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $86,127 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances, showcase the potential for growth and competitive pay among surgical facilities such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. As healthcare continues to evolve, the role of the surgical technologist remains integral to both patient care and operational efficiency.
About the Pine Bluff Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,714 | $19.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,048 | $23.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,799 | $27.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,859 | $34.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,127 | $41.41 |
Median Salary Position
15.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pine Bluff
In Pine Bluff, AR, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,413 (2026 est.). At $57,799, the local median is 15.18% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pine Bluff: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pine Bluff Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pine Bluff median: $57,799/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pine Bluff Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $59,221 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -15.18% less |
Surgical Technologists in Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $57,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.18% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $59,221.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pine Bluff 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.
Pine Bluff, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $57,799 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,512 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,969
2025 BLS Actual
$54,838
2026 Current Est.
$57,799
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,165 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,467 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,838 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,920 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pine Bluff metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $40,969 (2019) to $54,838 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,920 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,951 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pine Bluff 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) | $40,714 – $48,048 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,048 – $57,799 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,799 – $71,859 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,859 – $86,127 |
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 Pine Bluff
In this relatively small job market, only eight surgical technologists are currently employed in Pine Bluff. The area's cost of living index stands at 86.9, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living means that while salaries may seem reduced compared to national standards, the overall purchasing power can be favorable for those working in this role. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists in Pine Bluff might consider gaining expertise in high-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, as these areas typically offer higher pay. Additional qualifications, like certification in robotic surgery or taking on the responsibilities of a surgical first assistant, can further enhance compensation. Employers vary, but historically, hospital operating rooms tend to compensate at the higher end of the scale, reflecting the complexity and urgency of procedures performed in these settings. By focusing on skill development and seeking out advanced certifications, surgical technologists can effectively increase their earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, 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 $54,838 for surgical technologistsin the Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff 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