Surgical Technologist Salary in Bettendorf, IA: $60,624 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Bettendorf, IA earns a median $60,624/year (≈ $29.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Bettendorf's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $67,062 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical technologists in Bettendorf, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $60,624 in 2026. This figure reflects a competitive position compared to the national median of $68,141, indicating a differential of approximately 11.03% lower for local professionals. The salary range for this role spans from $45,632 at the 10th percentile to $89,968 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, point to a market characterized by various surgical settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. The ongoing demand for surgical technologists underscores the essential services provided in local healthcare delivery.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,632 | $21.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,511 | $25.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,624 | $29.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,192 | $36.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,968 | $43.26 |
Median Salary Position
11.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bettendorf
In Bettendorf, IA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,336 (2026 est.). At $60,624, the local median is 11.03% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bettendorf: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bettendorf Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Bettendorf median: $60,624/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bettendorf Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $63,481 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.03% less |
Surgical Technologists in Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $60,624 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $63,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bettendorf has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bettendorf, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,624 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,062 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,972
2025 BLS Actual
$57,518
2026 Current Est.
$60,624
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,972 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,226 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,176 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,787 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,624 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,898 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bettendorf metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $42,972 (2019) to $57,518 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,898 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,926 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bettendorf 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) | $45,632 – $52,511 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,511 – $60,624 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,624 – $75,192 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,192 – $89,968 |
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 Bettendorf
The job market for surgical technologists in Bettendorf includes about 10 professionals currently employed in the field. With a cost-of-living index at 90.4, wages are aligned with affordability, granting technicians a reasonable level of purchasing power considering the local economic environment. Among employers, hospital operating rooms generally offer higher pay, particularly for surgical technologists certified in robotic surgery or those taking on specialty roles within areas such as cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgery. The variance in earnings can often be attributed to factors such as call coverage requirements, trauma center designation, and the specific skills associated with advanced surgical technologies. To optimize salary potential in Bettendorf, it is advisable for surgical technologists to obtain credentials such as CST and explore opportunities in travel surgical tech positions, which often offer increased compensation tied to demand and location.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $57,518 for surgical technologistsin the Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf 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