Surgical Technologist Salary in Salina, KS: $59,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Salina, KS earns a median $59,936/year (≈ $28.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Salina's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $65,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for surgical technologists in Salina, Kansas, reflect a local hiring market that currently projects a median annual salary of $59,936 for 2026. The pay ranges from $46,363 at the 10th percentile to $84,752 at the 90th percentile, indicating opportunities for specialization and experience within the field. Estimates provided are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, offering insight into the competitive landscape of surgical technologist pay Salina KS. The demand for advanced skills, particularly in fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can significantly enhance earning potential beyond standard levels. With specialized training and credentials, surgical technologists can often command higher compensation, reflecting the critical nature of their roles in complex surgeries.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,363 | $22.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,838 | $25.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,936 | $28.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,601 | $34.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,752 | $40.75 |
Median Salary Position
12.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
In Salina, KS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,389 (2026 est.). At $59,936, the local median is 12.04% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salina: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salina Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Salina median: $59,936/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salina Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,917 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.04% less |
Surgical Technologists in Salina, KS earn a median of $59,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.20% below the Kansas state average of $61,917.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salina 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.
Salina, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,936 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,936 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,484
2025 BLS Actual
$56,865
2026 Current Est.
$59,936
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,484 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,311 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,865 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,172 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salina metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,484 (2019) to $56,865 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,172 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,688 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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) | $46,363 – $52,838 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,838 – $59,936 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,936 – $71,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,601 – $84,752 |
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 Salina
The employment market for surgical technologists in Salina consists of about 11 professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index is pegged at 90.9, suggesting that salaries here can stretch further in terms of purchasing power compared to the national average. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, particularly in orthopedic and cardiothoracic specialties. Factors such as coverage for on-call assignments, certification in robotic surgery, and trauma center credentials can contribute to the wage variation observed within the local market. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist salary in Salina, pursuing advanced certifications such as the CST credential, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and considering travel tech opportunities can all enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Salina?
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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 $56,865 for surgical technologistsin the Salina 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 Salina 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