Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Emporia, KS: $81,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Emporia, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,936/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Emporia's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,139 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced surgical technologists in Emporia, Kansas, the financial outlook in 2026 shows significant earning potential, especially for top-tier professionals. With a projected median annual salary of $57,183, top earners (P90) can anticipate substantial compensation reaching $81,936. This figure highlights the considerable experience premium available in this field, as it represents a notable gap when compared to the median. In particular, those aiming for higher salaries must focus on developing expertise in specialized surgical areas and pursuing certification paths. Achieving such a salary in Emporia not only signifies mastery of the required skills but also a strategic approach to ongoing professional development and specialization.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Emporia earn between $69,633 and $81,936 per year (2026 est.). This $37,793 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Emporia median of $57,183 sits 16.08% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Emporia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,183 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,633 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,936 | $102,175 |
In Emporia, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 43.29% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Emporia
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $57,183 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Emporia employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Emporia command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,633–$81,936 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Kansas 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 Emporia
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEmporia ranks #21 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $81,936).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Emporia ($81,936) is 3.01% above the Kansas average P90 ($79,543).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,257
2025 BLS Actual
$77,738
2026 Current Est.
$81,936
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,257 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,628 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,999 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,738 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,360 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Emporia saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $57,257 in 2019 to $77,738 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 $86,360 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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 Emporia
Dedicated surgical technologists can maximize their earning potential by pursuing advanced certifications and specializing in lucrative areas such as cardiovascular, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery. In addition, compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type—those working in hospital operating rooms typically see different pay structures compared to those in ambulatory surgery centers or military surgical units. Additionally, leadership roles such as OR supervisor or surgical first assistant can further elevate one’s earnings, particularly when one holds credentials like CST or CSFA. Non-salary benefits, including specialty certifications and call coverage compensation, also contribute to the overall financial picture for senior surgical technologists in KS. As the employment outlook continues to grow at a rate of 5.40% annually, experienced surgical technologists who build their credentials and expand their skillsets are well-positioned to thrive in Emporia's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Emporia in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Emporia?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Emporia?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Emporia?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Emporia?
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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 $77,738 for surgical technologists in the Emporia 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 Emporia 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