Surgical Technologist Salary in Kansas City, KS: $66,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Kansas City, KS earns a median $66,029/year (≈ $31.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Kansas City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $72,639 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in Kansas City, KS, is projected to reach a median of $66,029, reflecting local market dynamics shaped by specialty demands. The full salary range for surgical technologists spans from $44,305 at the 10th percentile to $99,366 at the 90th percentile, which highlights significant earning potential based on qualifications and experience. Cardiovascular and neurosurgery specialties tend to command higher premiums, making these areas particularly lucrative for those who pursue advanced training. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional pricing, presenting an opportunity for qualified surgical technologists to tap into a rewarding career path in the Kansas City area.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,305 | $21.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,533 | $25.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,029 | $31.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,592 | $39.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,366 | $47.77 |
Median Salary Position
3.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kansas City
In Kansas City, KS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,061 (2026 est.). At $66,029, the local median is 3.1% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kansas City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kansas City Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Kansas City median: $66,029/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kansas City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,941 | +6.60% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.10% less |
Surgical Technologists in Kansas City, KS earn a median of $66,029 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.60% above the Kansas state average of $61,941.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kansas City has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kansas City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $66,029 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,639 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% 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
$46,803
2025 BLS Actual
$62,646
2026 Current Est.
$66,029
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,169 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,225 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,044 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,646 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,594 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas City metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,803 (2019) to $62,646 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,594 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,791 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas City 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) | $44,305 – $53,533 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,533 – $66,029 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,029 – $81,592 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,592 – $99,366 |
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 Kansas City
With only 25 surgical technologists currently employed in Kansas City, the local job market can be competitive yet promising. The cost of living index is slightly below the national average at 90.9, which means that the purchasing power can be favorable for those earning in the mid to high salary ranges. Employers who typically offer the highest surgical technologist pay in Kansas City include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers focusing on orthopedics and ophthalmology, and military or VA surgical units. The wide pay differential stems from factors such as surgical specialty, call coverage assignments, certifications in robotic surgery, and the responsibilities associated with the surgical first assistant role. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists can consider pursuing specialized certifications, targeting high-paying employers, and gaining experience in trauma centers or travel positions, optimizing their professional growth and financial prospects.
More salary data for Kansas City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Kansas City, KS in 2026?
Is Kansas City, KS a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Kansas City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Kansas City?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Kansas City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $62,646 for surgical technologistsin the Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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