Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $86,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,233/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,390 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, senior surgical technologists can command impressive salaries reflective of their expertise and experience. For those exceptionally skilled in the field, the top surgical technologist salary in Burlington reaches an astounding $86,233 in 2026, showcasing significant earning potential for professionals with over seven years of experience. The median annual salary for these seasoned experts is projected to be $60,930, which underscores the vast disparity in compensation between the median and the highest earners. Advanced skills and specialized certifications, such as competencies in robotic surgery and specific surgical specializations, play a crucial role in attaining this top-tier pay within the local market.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $73,350 and $86,233 per year (2026 est.). This $40,567 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $60,930 sits 10.58% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,930 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,350 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,233 | $102,175 |
In Burlington, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 41.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $60,930 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,350–$86,233 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #13 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $86,233).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Burlington ($86,233) is 4.28% above the Iowa average P90 ($82,692).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,260
2025 BLS Actual
$81,815
2026 Current Est.
$86,233
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,092 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,303 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,177 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,890 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $60,260 in 2019 to $81,815 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $90,890 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Burlington
Compensation for senior surgical technologists in Burlington varies depending on area of specialization and employer type. Professionals who focus on areas like cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery often see the highest salary premiums due to the technical expertise required. The differences in compensation can also be influenced by employer categories; those working in hospital operating rooms may earn differently than those in specialized surgical centers or surgical tech travel agencies. Furthermore, taking on leadership roles such as OR supervisor or surgical first assistant can provide avenues for advancement and additional pay. Credentials like the CST certification and potential endorsements to become a surgical first assistant enhance marketability. Non-salary compensation factors, including call coverage stipends and specialized training reimbursements, further elevate the incentive for experienced technologists to deepen their specialization and improve their earnings in Iowa's competitive healthcare environment.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Burlington?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Burlington?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $81,815 for surgical technologists in the Burlington metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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