Surgical Technologist Salary in Copperas Cove, TX: $63,931 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Copperas Cove, TX earns a median $63,931/year (≈ $30.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Copperas Cove's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $66,595 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, surgical technologists earned a median annual salary of $63,931 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $68,141. Salaries for this role typically range from $49,361 at the lower end to $94,232 at the top, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization. The industry in the area is bolstered by facilities such as hospitals and specialty surgical centers, with diverse employment structures influencing pay scales. Recent estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments indicate that professionals in this field can expect different compensation based on the type of surgical setting they work in, underscoring the impact of local healthcare infrastructure on surgical technologist pay in Copperas Cove.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,361 | $23.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,871 | $26.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,931 | $30.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,709 | $37.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,232 | $45.30 |
Median Salary Position
6.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Copperas Cove
In Copperas Cove, TX, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,871 (2026 est.). At $63,931, the local median is 6.18% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Copperas Cove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Copperas Cove Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Copperas Cove median: $63,931/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Copperas Cove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,113 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.18% less |
Surgical Technologists in Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $63,931 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $66,113.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Copperas Cove has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Copperas Cove, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,931 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,595 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,316
2025 BLS Actual
$60,656
2026 Current Est.
$63,931
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,532 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,931 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,384 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Copperas Cove metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,316 (2019) to $60,656 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,384 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,068 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Copperas Cove 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) | $49,361 – $54,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,871 – $63,931 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,931 – $78,709 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,709 – $94,232 |
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 Copperas Cove
Analyzing the job market for surgical technologists in Copperas Cove reveals a workforce of just seven professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 96, the purchasing power for these employees is slightly above average, impacting how surgical technologist salaries are perceived in terms of quality of life. In this region, surgical technologists employed in hospital operating rooms or specialty centers focused on orthopedic or cardiovascular procedures tend to earn the highest wages. Factors such as the complexity of surgeries, call coverage responsibilities, and specialized certifications—like robotic surgery training—can lead to significant pay disparities. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), can provide a competitive edge and enhance earning potential, making it imperative for surgical technologists in Copperas Cove to stay updated with industry trends and certification opportunities.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
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 $60,656 for surgical technologistsin the Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove 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