Surgical Technologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $65,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Des Moines, IA earns a median $65,612/year (≈ $31.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $71,550 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Des Moines, IA, can expect a median annual salary of $65,612, which falls slightly below the national figure of $68,141. This salary range spans from $54,429 at the 10th percentile to $77,606 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the notable financial opportunities available depending on specialty and experience. According to the 2025 BLS OEWS data, surgical technologists specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery typically command the highest compensations within this market, thanks to the intensive nature and advanced skills associated with these fields. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, the job market for surgical technologists in Des Moines reveals promising potential for career advancement and salary growth.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,429 | $26.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,041 | $30.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,612 | $31.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,117 | $31.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,606 | $37.31 |
Median Salary Position
3.71% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,177 (2026 est.). At $65,612, the local median is 3.71% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $65,612/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $63,454 | +3.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.71% less |
Surgical Technologists in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $65,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.40% above the Iowa state average of $63,454.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,612 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,550 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,680
2025 BLS Actual
$62,250
2026 Current Est.
$65,612
2019–2027 Growth
+58.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,260 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,155 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 42.5% from $43,680 (2019) to $62,250 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,155 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,475 (58.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $54,429 – $64,041 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,041 – $65,612 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,612 – $66,117 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,117 – $77,606 |
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 Des Moines
A healthy local employment landscape features approximately 230 surgical technologists currently working in the Des Moines area, offering robust competition and job stability. The lower cost-of-living index of 91.701 suggests that while salaries may not reach national averages, purchasing power remains favorable, allowing residents to thrive on their earnings. Notably, employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers specializing in orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures tend to pay the most. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including specialty certification, call coverage requirements, and added stipends for advanced roles such as surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Des Moines, pursuing robotic surgery (da Vinci) certifications and seeking travel opportunities can significantly enhance earnings, leveraging the increasing demand for skilled professionals who meet the federal CST hiring standard.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 $62,250 for surgical technologistsin the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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