Surgical Technologist Salary in University City, MO: $63,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in University City, MO earns a median $63,510/year (≈ $30.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in University City's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $70,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in University City, Missouri, can anticipate a median annual salary of $63,510 in 2026, reflecting a competitive position within the healthcare job market. The salary range for this role extends from $45,792 at the 10th percentile to $89,677 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a significant spread that rewards specialization. Particularly, those working in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command premium rates due to the complexity and skill level required in these specialties. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, which indicate that while local salaries are slightly below the national median of $68,141, the opportunities in University City remain robust for certified surgical technologists.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,792 | $22.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,575 | $25.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,510 | $30.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,307 | $37.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,677 | $43.12 |
Median Salary Position
6.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University City
In University City, MO, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,885 (2026 est.). At $63,510, the local median is 6.8% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University City Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
University City median: $63,510/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,412 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.80% less |
Surgical Technologists in University City, MO earn a median of $63,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.80% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $64,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University 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.
University City, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,510 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,882 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,017
2025 BLS Actual
$60,256
2026 Current Est.
$63,510
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,232 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,157 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,939 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University City metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,017 (2019) to $60,256 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,939 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,922 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University 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) | $45,792 – $53,575 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,575 – $63,510 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,510 – $77,307 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,307 – $89,677 |
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 University City
The job market in University City currently employs six surgical technologists, emphasizing a localized yet specialized demand for healthcare professionals. While the cost of living index stands at 89.6, suggesting below-average living costs compared to the national average, it enhances the purchasing power of surgical technologist pay in University City, MO. Employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic, ophthalmology, or cardiothoracic procedures, typically offer the highest compensation packages. Factors influencing the wage disparity include the demand for certifications in robotic surgery and the potential for additional premiums when taking on roles as surgical first assistants or providing call coverage. To maximize salary potential in this market, pursuing advanced certifications, especially in high-demand specialties, and considering travel tech opportunities can significantly enhance earning prospects and leverage the current employment climate in University City.
More salary data for University City, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in University 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 $60,256 for surgical technologistsin the University 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 University 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