Surgical Technologist Salary in Hernando, MS: $54,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Hernando, MS earns a median $54,975/year (≈ $26.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Hernando's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $64,148 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median annual surgical technologist salary in Hernando, Mississippi, reaches $54,975, significantly below the national median of $68,141. The local salary range offers diverse opportunities, with entry-level positions earning around $39,331 and experienced professionals commanding up to $79,019. These figures, projected based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, reflect the landscape for surgical technologists in Hernando, where specialized skills in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can yield higher compensation. As the demand for surgical services continues to grow, those who achieve advanced certifications and specialized training may find lucrative avenues in this small but impactful job market.
About the Hernando Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,331 | $18.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,257 | $23.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,975 | $26.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,933 | $32.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,019 | $37.99 |
Median Salary Position
19.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hernando
In Hernando, MS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,688 (2026 est.). At $54,975, the local median is 19.32% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hernando: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hernando Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Hernando median: $54,975/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hernando Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $58,421 | -5.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -19.32% less |
Surgical Technologists in Hernando, MS earn a median of $54,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $58,421.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hernando has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hernando, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $54,975 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,148 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,967
2025 BLS Actual
$52,158
2026 Current Est.
$54,975
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,147 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,899 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,158 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hernando metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $38,967 (2019) to $52,158 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,976 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hernando 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) | $39,331 – $48,257 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,257 – $54,975 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,975 – $66,933 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,933 – $79,019 |
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 Hernando
The competitive landscape for surgical technologists in Hernando MS is shaped by a cost-of-living index of 85.7, which indicates that while salaries may seem lower compared to the national average, purchasing power can be relatively strong. Currently, only six surgical technologists are employed in the area, suggesting a niche market where demand can outpace supply, especially in specialties like cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgery. Facilities that typically offer the highest pay include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers. Factors affecting pay disparities include the specific surgical specialty, whether one is on call, and any added credentials such as robotic surgery certification. To maximize earnings in Hernando, professionals should consider furthering their education, pursuing advanced certifications like that from the NBSTSA, and exploring roles that offer call coverage or travel opportunities.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
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 $52,158 for surgical technologistsin the Hernando 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 Hernando 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