Surgical Technologist Salary in Jefferson City, MO: $61,370 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Jefferson City, MO earns a median $61,370/year (≈ $29.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Jefferson City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $68,493 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Jefferson City, MO, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $61,370. This figure positions the local profession slightly below the national median of $68,141, reflecting a potential salary gap for those working in the field. Salary estimates for surgical technologists in this area range from $45,651 at the 10th percentile to $90,895 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that specialized roles or those in high-demand settings may command significantly higher pay. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight the diverse compensation landscape for surgical tech professionals in Jefferson City, which typically includes employment opportunities across hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities.
About the Jefferson City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,651 | $21.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,949 | $25.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,370 | $29.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,822 | $36.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,895 | $43.70 |
Median Salary Position
9.94% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jefferson City
In Jefferson City, MO, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,244 (2026 est.). At $61,370, the local median is 9.94% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jefferson City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jefferson City Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Jefferson City median: $61,370/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jefferson City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,397 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -9.94% less |
Surgical Technologists in Jefferson City, MO earn a median of $61,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.94% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.70% below the Missouri state average of $64,397.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jefferson City 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.
Jefferson City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $61,370 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,493 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,200
2025 BLS Actual
$58,226
2026 Current Est.
$61,370
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Jefferson City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,708 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,399 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,370 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,684 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jefferson City metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 34.8% from $43,200 (2019) to $58,226 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,684 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,484 (49.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jefferson City 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) | $45,651 – $52,949 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,949 – $61,370 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,370 – $75,822 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,822 – $90,895 |
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 Jefferson City
The local job market for surgical technologists shows a modest workforce, with around 8 professionals employed in Jefferson City. This limited labor pool could impact competition among employers, particularly in terms of pay structures. The cost of living index in the city stands at 89.6, making it a more affordable location for healthcare professionals compared to many national averages. Employers like hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers tend to offer the higher salaries within the area. The disparity between lower and upper salary ranges often stems from factors such as specialization—cardiovascular and neurosurgical roles typically garner premium pay—alongside additional credentials like robotic surgery certification or taking on surgical first assistant responsibilities. To maximize surgical technologist pay in Jefferson City, professionals should consider pursuing certifications that enhance their skill set, focusing on high-demand specialties that offer the best compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Jefferson City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Jefferson City, MO in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Jefferson City?
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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 $58,226 for surgical technologistsin the Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City 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