Surgical Technologist Salary in Kernersville, NC: $63,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Kernersville, NC earns a median $63,611/year (≈ $30.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Kernersville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $67,960 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an estimated median annual salary of $63,611 for surgical technologists in Kernersville, NC, the field reflects competitive compensation that is slightly below the national median of $68,141. The salary varies significantly, with lower-end wages starting at $46,470 and the higher end reaching up to $92,901, providing ample opportunity for career advancement and financial growth. As more surgical facilities adopt robotic surgery technologies, and with an increase in certifications such as the CST, the local market continues to evolve. These trends not only enhance salary potential but also reflect Kernersville's commitment to staying at the forefront of surgical technology advancements.
About the Kernersville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,470 | $22.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,058 | $25.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,611 | $30.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,790 | $37.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,901 | $44.67 |
Median Salary Position
6.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kernersville
In Kernersville, NC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,431 (2026 est.). At $63,611, the local median is 6.65% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kernersville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kernersville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Kernersville median: $63,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kernersville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,189 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.65% less |
Surgical Technologists in Kernersville, NC earn a median of $63,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.65% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $64,189.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kernersville has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kernersville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,611 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,960 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,089
2025 BLS Actual
$60,352
2026 Current Est.
$63,611
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,089 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,304 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,352 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,046 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kernersville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,089 (2019) to $60,352 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,046 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,957 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kernersville 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) | $46,470 – $54,058 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,058 – $63,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,611 – $77,790 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,790 – $92,901 |
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 Kernersville
In Kernersville, the job market for surgical technologists is modest, with only six professionals currently employed in this role. However, the local cost of living index stands at 93.6, indicating affordability that can enhance purchasing power for surgical techs working in this area. The highest pay is typically found in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, including those focused on orthopedics and cardiothoracic procedures. Demand in these settings often drives variations in pay, influenced by factors such as specialty areas, call coverage, and additional compensation for robotic surgery certification or surgical first assistant duties. Professionals eager to maximize their earnings should consider seeking certification in high-demand specialties, pursuing roles that offer robust benefits, and exploring travel opportunities, which may provide significantly higher compensation.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Kernersville, NC in 2026?
Is Kernersville, NC a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Kernersville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Kernersville?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Kernersville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $60,352 for surgical technologistsin the Kernersville 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 Kernersville 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