Surgical Technologist Salary in Aberdeen, SD: $60,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Aberdeen, SD earns a median $60,094/year (≈ $28.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Aberdeen's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $64,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is $60,094, reflecting a competitive position in the health care labor market despite being approximately 11.81% lower than the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this occupation is between $44,717 for the lowest 10% and reaches up to $86,449 for those in the top 10%. These figures, derived from BLS state-level estimates adjusted for local cost differences, provide insight into the potential earnings of surgical technologists in the area. As robotic surgery certifications become more prevalent, skilled surgical technologists with specialized training in robotics may further enhance their earning potential, which could impact overall salary trends and opportunities across local medical facilities.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,717 | $21.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,671 | $24.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,094 | $28.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,166 | $35.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,449 | $41.56 |
Median Salary Position
11.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, SD, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,732 (2026 est.). At $60,094, the local median is 11.81% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aberdeen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aberdeen Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Aberdeen median: $60,094/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aberdeen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $63,257 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.81% less |
Surgical Technologists in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $60,094 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $63,257.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aberdeen has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aberdeen, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,094 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,756 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,596
2025 BLS Actual
$57,015
2026 Current Est.
$60,094
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,596 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,799 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,351 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,452 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,015 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,339 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,596 (2019) to $57,015 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,339 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,743 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen 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) | $44,717 – $51,671 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,671 – $60,094 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,094 – $74,166 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,166 – $86,449 |
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 Aberdeen
The job market in Aberdeen for surgical technologists appears modestly sized, with only five employed in the field, yet the $60,094 median salary can offer a comfortable lifestyle due to the city's lower cost of living index of 92.8. This means take-home pay may stretch further compared to many urban areas. Hospitals' operating rooms and dedicated specialty surgical units, particularly in fields such as cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgery, tend to offer the most competitive wages. Variability in pay is shaped by specialty training, call coverage, and specific certifications like robotic surgery expertise, particularly for surgical first assistants. To maximize compensation, surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying specialties or facilities that recognize the value of advanced skill sets, making strategic career decisions to enhance their market position in Aberdeen, SD.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
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 $57,015 for surgical technologistsin the Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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