Surgical Technologist Salary in Branson, MO: $59,865 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Branson, MO earns a median $59,865/year (≈ $28.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Branson's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $66,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Branson, Missouri, surgical technologists earn a median salary of $59,865 in 2026, reflecting a competitive profile against the national average of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $46,612 at the 10th percentile to as high as $84,600 for the top 10% of earners, indicating a dynamic pay structure influenced by the types of healthcare facilities in the area. Surgical technologists may find employment in various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. The local job market, though small with just four surgical technologists currently employed, suggests niche opportunities that may emerge in response to the area's growing healthcare demands.
About the Branson Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,612 | $22.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,948 | $25.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,865 | $28.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,990 | $34.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,600 | $40.67 |
Median Salary Position
12.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Branson
In Branson, MO, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,988 (2026 est.). At $59,865, the local median is 12.15% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Branson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Branson Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Branson median: $59,865/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Branson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,440 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.15% less |
Surgical Technologists in Branson, MO earn a median of $59,865 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.15% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.10% below the Missouri state average of $64,440.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Branson has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Branson, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,865 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,814 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,434
2025 BLS Actual
$56,798
2026 Current Est.
$59,865
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Branson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,434 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,673 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,636 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,798 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,865 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,098 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Branson metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,434 (2019) to $56,798 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,098 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,664 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Branson 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) | $46,612 – $52,948 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,948 – $59,865 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,865 – $71,990 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,990 – $84,600 |
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 Branson
The cost of living in Branson stands at an index of 89.6, which is below the national average, hinting at a relatively favorable environment for take-home purchasing power. While opportunities exist across different healthcare employers, specialty surgical centers—particularly those focusing on cardiac and orthopedic procedures—tend to offer higher pay rates. Factors such as surgical specialty and the level of certification can create significant disparities in pay. For example, surgical technologists with robotic surgery training or advanced roles like surgical first assistants may command higher salaries. To maximize earnings in Branson’s market, staying current with CAAHEP-accredited training and seeking positions in high-demand specialties are advisable strategies, especially as the profession anticipates a growth rate of 5.40% annually.
More salary data for Branson, MO:
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 $56,798 for surgical technologistsin the Branson 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 Branson 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