Surgical Technologist Salary in Wichita, KS: $56,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Wichita, KS earns a median $56,863/year (≈ $27.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Wichita's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $63,930 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Kansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Wichita, Kansas, have an estimated median annual salary of $56,863, reflecting the distinctive market dynamics in the region. This figure is notable, especially when compared to the national median of $68,141, showing a disparity that indicates local economic factors at play. The salary range for this occupation in Wichita varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $47,356 and experienced professionals earning up to $68,921. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting ongoing demand for skilled professionals in the field. Those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can expect to command a premium due to the complexity and expertise required in these areas, which significantly influences overall compensation.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,356 | $22.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,995 | $25.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,863 | $27.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,590 | $31.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,921 | $33.14 |
Median Salary Position
16.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wichita
In Wichita, KS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,565 (2026 est.). At $56,863, the local median is 16.55% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Wichita: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wichita Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Wichita median: $56,863/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wichita Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,943 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -16.55% less |
Surgical Technologists in Wichita, KS earn a median of $56,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.55% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 8.20% below the Kansas state average of $61,943.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wichita has a cost of living 11.05% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wichita, KS has a cost-of-living index of 88.946 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $56,863 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,930 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.43% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,530
2025 BLS Actual
$53,950
2026 Current Est.
$56,863
2019–2027 Growth
+55.6%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,934 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wichita metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 40.0% from $38,530 (2019) to $53,950 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,934 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,404 (55.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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) | $47,356 – $52,995 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,995 – $56,863 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,863 – $65,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,590 – $68,921 |
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 Wichita
Wichita's healthcare sector employs approximately 300 surgical technologists, creating a stable job market in this profession. Given the cost of living index in the city stands at 88.946, which is below the national average, surgical technologist pay in Wichita KS enables individuals to maintain a reasonable standard of living, despite the lower salary figures compared to the national average. Employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—particularly those focused on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures—typically offer the highest salaries in the area. Factors influencing the salary range include specialization (with cardiovascular and neuro specialties earning the most), call coverage for emergencies, and additional certifications such as robotic surgery training. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists in Wichita should consider pursuing certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties, thereby enhancing their employability and potential for higher compensation.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Wichita?
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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 $53,950 for surgical technologistsin the Wichita 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