Surgical Technologist Salary in Houma, LA: $55,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Houma, LA earns a median $55,630/year (≈ $26.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Houma's price level (15% below national, BEA RPP 85.1), that paycheck buys what $65,368 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary of $55,630 for surgical technologists in Houma, LA, reflects the evolving trends in the field, particularly the burgeoning demand for robotic surgery certification. This median sits at a notable $12,511 lower than the national average of $68,141. Surgical technologists in Houma earn salaries that span a full range, from $47,188 at the 10th percentile to $73,169 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected for 2026, highlight the local market's adjustments to technology-driven demands. With 80 surgical technologists currently employed in the area, prospects remain strong in specialized surgical environments where expertise in robotic systems is increasingly valued.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,188 | $22.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,599 | $22.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,630 | $26.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,127 | $31.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,169 | $35.17 |
Median Salary Position
18.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Houma
In Houma, LA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,981 (2026 est.). At $55,630, the local median is 18.36% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Houma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Houma Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Houma median: $55,630/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Houma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $60,864 | -8.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -18.36% less |
Surgical Technologists in Houma, LA earn a median of $55,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.36% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 8.60% below the Louisiana state average of $60,864.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Houma has a cost of living 14.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Houma, LA has a cost-of-living index of 85.103 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $55,630 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,368 in an average-cost city — an effective 17.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,720
2025 BLS Actual
$52,780
2026 Current Est.
$55,630
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,634 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Houma metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 20.7% from $43,720 (2019) to $52,780 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,634 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,914 (34.11%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Houma 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) | $47,188 – $47,599 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,599 – $55,630 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,630 – $65,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,127 – $73,169 |
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 Houma
The local cost-of-living index in Houma stands at 85.103, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance the effective purchasing power of surgical technologists’ salaries. Among the employers, those in hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers tend to offer the most competitive wages. The disparity in salary ranges can be attributed to various factors, including the specific surgical specialties — with cardiovascular and neurosurgery positions commanding higher pay. Additionally, certifications like the robotic surgery credential or the surgical first assistant role can provide valuable stipends. Strategies to maximize earnings might include pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, or considering travel surgical tech positions that often provide premium pay. As the demand for skilled surgical technologists continues to rise in Houma, LA, staying updated with industry trends can unlock further career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
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 $52,780 for surgical technologistsin the Houma 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