Surgical Technologist Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $63,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cedar Rapids, IA earns a median $63,099/year (≈ $30.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cedar Rapids's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $69,800 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Rapids, IA, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $63,099 in 2026, significantly less than the national average of $68,141. The local salary range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $43,322 and experienced professionals earning up to $96,233. These figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local market conditions. Specialization plays a key role in compensation, particularly for surgical technologists focused on high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which can greatly enhance earning potential. This dynamic market is influenced by factors such as the local healthcare demand and the prevalence of specialty centers in the region.
About the Cedar Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,322 | $20.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,901 | $24.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,099 | $30.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,731 | $37.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,233 | $46.27 |
Median Salary Position
7.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,911 (2026 est.). At $63,099, the local median is 7.4% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cedar Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Rapids Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cedar Rapids median: $63,099/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $63,480 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -7.40% less |
Surgical Technologists in Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $63,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the Iowa state average of $63,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Rapids 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.
Cedar Rapids, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,099 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,800 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,510
2025 BLS Actual
$59,866
2026 Current Est.
$63,099
2019–2027 Growth
+68.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,939 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,339 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,506 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 51.5% from $39,510 (2019) to $59,866 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,506 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,996 (68.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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) | $43,322 – $51,901 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,901 – $63,099 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,099 – $78,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,731 – $96,233 |
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 Cedar Rapids
With 22 surgical technologists employed in the Cedar Rapids area, the job market remains stable. However, accommodating high living costs is pivotal; with a cost-of-living index of 90.4, local wages may stretch further in this affordable environment. Typically, the highest salaries are found in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, such as those focused on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures. The salary disparity in Cedar Rapids is influenced by several factors, including specialty focus, availability of call coverage, and certifications such as robotic surgery expertise. To maximize pay, aspiring surgical technologists should pursue specialization in higher-demand areas, consider obtaining the robotic surgery credential, and seek employment in facilities that offer premium wages. Engaging in continued education and staying updated with industry standards will also enhance career advancements within Cedar Rapids's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
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 $59,866 for surgical technologistsin the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids 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