Surgical Technologist Salary in Kearney, NE: $60,041 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Kearney, NE earns a median $60,041/year (≈ $28.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $65,619 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Kearney, Nebraska, can expect a median annual salary of $60,041 in 2026, a figure reflecting local estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price differences. Salaries within this profession vary widely, ranging from $45,715 at the 10th percentile to $88,041 at the 90th percentile. These projections illustrate not only the earning potential inherent in the surgical technology field but also emphasize the financial benefits of specializing in areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where additional expertise often commands a premium. Given Kearney’s job market dynamics, the competition for skilled surgical technologists remains robust, positioning them as integral components of surgical teams.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,715 | $21.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,580 | $25.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,041 | $28.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,641 | $35.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,041 | $42.33 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,326 (2026 est.). At $60,041, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Kearney median: $60,041/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $62,348 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.89% less |
Surgical Technologists in Kearney, NE earn a median of $60,041 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $62,348.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,041 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,619 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,559
2025 BLS Actual
$56,965
2026 Current Est.
$60,041
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,559 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,308 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,405 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,965 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,041 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,283 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $42,559 (2019) to $56,965 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,283 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,724 (48.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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) | $45,715 – $52,580 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,580 – $60,041 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,041 – $73,641 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,641 – $88,041 |
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 Kearney
In the local job market, there are currently 9 surgical technologists employed across Kearney, which reflects a relatively niche field. The cost-of-living index sitting at 91.5 means that the purchasing power of surgical technologist salaries could be favorable in this area compared to national averages. Notable employers that tend to offer higher wages include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focusing on orthopedic, ophthalmology, and cardiothoracic procedures. Factors contributing to the significant pay disparity within the field include specialization in advanced surgical techniques, such as robotic surgery certification, and positions that require call coverage or advanced roles like surgical first assistants. Aspiring surgical technologists should consider gaining certifications and experience in high-demand specialties, which can enhance earning potential and job security in the Kearney market.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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 $56,965 for surgical technologistsin the Kearney 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 Kearney 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