Surgical Technologist Salary in Abilene, TX: $65,074 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Abilene, TX earns a median $65,074/year (≈ $31.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Abilene's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $72,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $65,074 in 2026, surgical technologists working in Abilene, TX, find themselves earning slightly below the national median of $68,141. This variance highlights the local market dynamics and regional healthcare demands. The salary range for these professionals spans from $30,123 at the 10th percentile to $84,352 at the 90th percentile, providing opportunities for those in specialized roles or with advanced certifications, particularly in robotic surgery. This data, sourced from official BLS OEWS surveys, underscores the value that advanced training and specialization can bring to one's earning potential in the Abilene job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,123 | $14.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,297 | $24.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,074 | $31.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,975 | $33.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,352 | $40.56 |
Median Salary Position
4.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Abilene
In Abilene, TX, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,229 (2026 est.). At $65,074, the local median is 4.5% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Abilene: You'd be above the median
How Abilene Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Abilene median: $65,074/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Abilene Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,132 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.50% less |
Surgical Technologists in Abilene, TX earn a median of $65,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $66,132.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Abilene has a cost of living 9.64% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Abilene, TX has a cost-of-living index of 90.364 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,074 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,013 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.66% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,950
2025 BLS Actual
$61,740
2026 Current Est.
$65,074
2019–2027 Growth
+80.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,441 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,074 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,588 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Abilene metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 62.7% from $37,950 (2019) to $61,740 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,588 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,638 (80.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Abilene 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) | $30,123 – $50,297 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,297 – $65,074 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,074 – $69,975 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,975 – $84,352 |
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 Abilene
In Abilene, where about 60 surgical technologists are currently employed, the local job market reflects both challenges and opportunities for professionals in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 90.364, salaries may provide a relatively manageable lifestyle, although they aren't as competitive as larger urban areas. Employers in the region, including hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, tend to offer the highest pay, particularly for those involved in cardiovascular and neurosurgical specialties. Factors such as call coverage, robotic surgery certification stipends, and advanced roles like surgical first assistants can significantly influence earnings. To maximize pay, surgical technologists should consider pursuing specialized training and certification, including becoming certified surgical first assistants (CSFAs) or obtaining robotic surgery qualifications. This strategic approach can better position them for opportunities in higher-paying environments and specialty surgical fields within Abilene, TX.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Abilene, TX in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Abilene?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Abilene?
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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 $61,740 for surgical technologistsin the Abilene 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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