Surgical Technologist Salary in Harlingen, TX: $66,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Harlingen, TX earns a median $66,632/year (≈ $32.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Harlingen's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $69,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, individuals working as surgical technologists in Harlingen, TX, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $66,632. This figure represents a competitive compensation landscape when viewed alongside a broader salary range from $46,824 at the 10th percentile to $97,401 at the 90th percentile. These projections are informed by 2025 BLS data and consider regional price differences. Notably, those who specialize in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery have the potential to significantly increase their earnings, capitalizing on the premium pay these specialties often command. The local healthcare job market also suggests a steady demand for surgical technologists, particularly as the healthcare needs of the community continue to evolve.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,824 | $22.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,013 | $27.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,632 | $32.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,982 | $38.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,401 | $46.83 |
Median Salary Position
2.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Harlingen
In Harlingen, TX, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,577 (2026 est.). At $66,632, the local median is 2.21% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Harlingen: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Harlingen Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Harlingen median: $66,632/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Harlingen Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,103 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -2.21% less |
Surgical Technologists in Harlingen, TX earn a median of $66,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.80% above the Texas state average of $66,103.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Harlingen 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.
Harlingen, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $66,632 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,408 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,230
2025 BLS Actual
$63,218
2026 Current Est.
$66,632
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,609 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,455 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,218 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,230 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Harlingen metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $47,230 (2019) to $63,218 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,230 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,000 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harlingen 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) | $46,824 – $58,013 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,013 – $66,632 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,632 – $80,982 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,982 – $97,401 |
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 Harlingen
With 14 surgical technologists currently employed in Harlingen, the market demonstrates healthy demand relative to its size. The area's cost of living index stands at 96, indicating that daily expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power for surgical technologists. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—especially those focused on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures—tend to offer the highest salaries. The pay disparity can be attributed to various factors, including specialty skills, certifications in robotic surgery, call coverage duties, and roles such as surgical first assistant, all of which can boost earnings. For professionals seeking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Harlingen, pursuing advanced certifications, gaining experience in specialized settings, and considering travel surgical tech opportunities may prove beneficial in a competitive job environment.
More salary data for Harlingen, 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 $63,218 for surgical technologistsin the Harlingen 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 Harlingen 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