Surgical Technologist Salary in Searcy, AR: $56,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Searcy, AR earns a median $56,376/year (≈ $27.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Searcy's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $64,875 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For surgical technologists in Searcy, Arkansas, the 2026 median annual salary is projected at $56,376, reflecting the specialized skills needed in the medical field. While local salaries range from $41,670 at the 10th percentile to $76,940 at the 90th percentile, these figures indicate significant disparities based on experience and area of expertise. Notably, surgical technologists who specialize in cardiovascular and neurosurgery often command higher wages due to the demanding nature of these subspecialties. These salary estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrating both the economic landscape of Searcy and the competitive positioning of its healthcare workforce.
About the Searcy Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,670 | $20.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,065 | $23.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,376 | $27.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,106 | $31.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,940 | $37.00 |
Median Salary Position
17.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Searcy
In Searcy, AR, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,270 (2026 est.). At $56,376, the local median is 17.27% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Searcy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Searcy Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Searcy median: $56,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Searcy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $59,219 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -17.27% less |
Surgical Technologists in Searcy, AR earn a median of $56,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $59,219.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Searcy 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.
Searcy, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $56,376 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,875 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$39,961
2025 BLS Actual
$53,488
2026 Current Est.
$56,376
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,961 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,127 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,151 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,298 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,146 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,488 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,421 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Searcy metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $39,961 (2019) to $53,488 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,421 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,460 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Searcy 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) | $41,670 – $48,065 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,065 – $56,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,376 – $66,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,106 – $76,940 |
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 Searcy
With only five surgical technologists employed in Searcy, the market remains relatively tight, which can influence competitive salaries and job availability. The local cost-of-living index sits at 86.9, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further in Searcy compared to higher-cost areas, allowing for a better quality of life with a lower financial burden. Among the various local employers, specialty surgical centers focusing on orthopedic or cardiothoracic procedures tend to offer higher pay compared to general hospital operating rooms. Those looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing certifications in robotic surgery, as these skills often come with significant salary premiums. Moreover, engaging in specialties like trauma or becoming a surgical first assistant can open pathways to increased compensation in Searcy's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Searcy, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Searcy, AR in 2026?
Is Searcy, AR a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Searcy?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Searcy?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Searcy?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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 $53,488 for surgical technologistsin the Searcy 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 Searcy 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