Surgical Technologist Salary in Waukee, IA: $60,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Waukee, IA earns a median $60,710/year (≈ $29.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $67,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the projected median annual surgical technologist salary for 2026 is $60,710, which is notably 10.91% lower than the national median of $68,141. The salary range for surgical technologists in the area spans from $45,122 at the 10th percentile to $83,421 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect local economic conditions. Waukee's distinct job market offers unique employment opportunities, particularly influenced by the structural preferences of local healthcare facilities. Surgical technologists in Waukee may work in a variety of settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, each presenting different compensation dynamics.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,122 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,133 | $25.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,710 | $29.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,538 | $34.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,421 | $40.10 |
Median Salary Position
10.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,299 (2026 est.). At $60,710, the local median is 10.91% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukee Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Waukee median: $60,710/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $63,438 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -10.91% less |
Surgical Technologists in Waukee, IA earn a median of $60,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.91% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $63,438.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee 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.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,710 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,033
2025 BLS Actual
$57,600
2026 Current Est.
$60,710
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,001 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,434 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,989 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,033 (2019) to $57,600 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,989 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,956 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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) | $45,122 – $52,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,133 – $60,710 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,710 – $71,538 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,538 – $83,421 |
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 Waukee
Currently, Waukee employs four surgical technologists, a relatively modest number that highlights a targeted local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for surgical technologists in the area may feel more substantial compared to higher cost regions. While hospital operating rooms typically provide competitive pay, specialty surgical centers focused on complex procedures such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery tend to offer higher salaries. Variables such as call coverage, certifications in robotic surgery, and roles as surgical first assistants can cause significant disparities in earnings. For those looking to maximize surgical technologist pay in Waukee, pursuing additional certifications and seeking roles in specialized departments can be beneficial, as these factors enhance one's marketability in this focused employment arena.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 $57,600 for surgical technologistsin the Waukee 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 Waukee 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