Surgical Technologist Salary in Pierre, SD: $59,410 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pierre, SD earns a median $59,410/year (≈ $28.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $64,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Pierre, South Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $59,410 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $68,141, highlighting regional pay disparities. The local salary range extends from $42,561 at the tenth percentile to $85,172 at the ninetieth percentile, suggesting that experience, specialization, and additional certifications can significantly impact earnings. The data reflects local estimates based on BLS state-level projections adjusted for cost of living, which plays a vital role in compensation discussions. As Pierre continues to adapt to trends such as robotic surgery certification, surgical technologists with these credentials may find greater opportunities for increased pay.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,561 | $20.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,345 | $25.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,410 | $28.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,195 | $34.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,172 | $40.95 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,611 (2026 est.). At $59,410, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pierre median: $59,410/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $63,202 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.81% less |
Surgical Technologists in Pierre, SD earn a median of $59,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $63,202.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,410 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,019 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,111
2025 BLS Actual
$56,366
2026 Current Est.
$59,410
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,111 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,844 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,366 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,410 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,618 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,111 (2019) to $56,366 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,507 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $42,561 – $53,345 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,345 – $59,410 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,410 – $72,195 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,195 – $85,172 |
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 Pierre
In Pierre, the surgical technologist job market consists of only four currently employed professionals, indicating a tight-knit community where competition for higher-paying positions is less intense. The cost of living index in the area is 92.8, below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in higher-cost regions. Employment opportunities vary widely; hospital operating rooms often provide the most competitive salaries, particularly for surgical technologists who handle complex procedures in specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Also, positions at ambulatory surgery centers and specialty practices can differ significantly based on role requirements, such as call coverage or robotic surgery certification stipends. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, accepting travel assignments, or transitioning to higher-demand specialties that command better salaries in Pierre.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Pierre?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Pierre?
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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 $56,366 for surgical technologistsin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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