Surg Tech Salary

Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $90,705 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Hutchinson, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $90,705/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Hutchinson's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $99,785 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$90,705
Top 10% Earn
$43.60/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$71,867
75th Percentile
$90,705
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical Technologist Senior Salary in Hutchinson, KS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Hutchinson, KS surgical technologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Top earners in the surgical technologist field in Hutchinson, KS, are poised to see substantial financial rewards, with a projected 2026 salary reaching up to $90,705 for those at the 90th percentile. This figure highlights a significant difference from the median annual salary of $60,594, underscoring the premium that advanced experience and specialized skills can command in this market. Reaching such heights in compensation typically requires over seven years of dedicated service, consistent professional development, and possibly advanced training, particularly in sought-after specialties. In comparison to the national top surgical technologist salary of $68,141, which reflects broader market trends, Hutchinson’s experienced professionals still showcase a competitive earning environment, especially for those who strive for excellence and continual skill enhancement.

About the Hutchinson Market

Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hutchinson

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for surgical technologists in Hutchinson. The median salary is $60,594, compared to the national median of $68,141.$41.3K$54.8K$68.3K$81.8K$95.2K$45.9K10th Pctl$52.9K25th Pctl$60.6KMedian$71.9K75th Pctl$90.7K90th PctlUS Median$68.1K

Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hutchinson earn between $71,867 and $90,705 per year (2026 est.). This $44,816 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hutchinson median of $60,594 sits 11.08% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of surgical technologist pay in the Hutchinson metro area.

Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison

LevelHutchinsonNational
Median (P50)$60,594$68,141
75th Percentile$71,867$84,057
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$90,705$102,175

In Hutchinson, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.69% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Hutchinson

1

Advanced Certifications in Kansas

KS surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $60,594 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hutchinson employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Hutchinson command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,867–$90,705 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hutchinson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured surgical technologists in Hutchinson with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

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 Hutchinson

Clinical Surgical Technologist

0-5 years
$45,889 – $60,594

Senior/Lead Surgical Technologist

5-10 years
$60,594 – $71,867

Surgical Technologist Department Manager

10+ years
$71,867+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Hutchinson ranks #8 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $90,705).

Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Hutchinson ($90,705) is 14.03% above the Kansas average P90 ($79,543).

2019 BLS Actual

$63,385

2025 BLS Actual

$86,058

2026 Current Est.

$90,705

2019–2027 Growth

+50.8%

Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hutchinson (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for surgical technologists in Hutchinson. Baseline $63,385 in 2025, projected to $95,603 by 2027.$56.9K$68.2K$79.5K$90.8K$102.0K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$63.4K$64.9K$67.4K$69.7K$73.8K$66.7K$86.1K$90.7K$95.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$63,385Actual
2020$64,903Actual
2021$67,415Actual
2022$69,741Actual
2023$73,816Actual
2024$66,713Actual
2025$86,058Actual
2026(current)$90,705Estimated
2027$95,603Projected

Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Hutchinson saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $63,385 in 2019 to $86,058 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 $95,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Hutchinson

Analysts point out that certain surgical specialties can notably elevate compensation levels for senior surgical technologists in Hutchinson. For instance, roles in cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, robotic surgery, and trauma surgery are highly valued, with experienced surgical technologists earning elevated pay rates when working in these areas. Moreover, the workplace setting can influence compensation; hospitals typically offer salaries in the range of the projected median, while full-time positions at ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers may present opportunities for higher wages. Advancement in this field is also achievable, with potential leadership roles such as OR supervisor or sterile processing supervisor available to those who pursue further education and certification, like becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Professional certifications such as the CST are crucial in this evolving landscape, especially since federal requirements now mandate a diploma or associate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program for entry-level positions. Non-salary factors, such as call coverage and specialty certification stipends, play an increasing role in total compensation, solidifying the value of both skill and specialty in the evolving surgical technologist career in Hutchinson.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Hutchinson in 2026?

Top-earning surgical technologists in Hutchinson (90th percentile) make $90,705/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.40% annual growth). This is $30,111 more than the area median of $60,594 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior surgical technologists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Hutchinson?

Higher surgical technologist pay in Hutchinson is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Hutchinson?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for surgical technologists in Hutchinson include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $60,594, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Hutchinson?

The 90th percentile in Hutchinson is $90,705. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Hutchinson?

In Hutchinson, the gap between entry level ($45,889) and top earners ($90,705) is $44,816, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Kansas

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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 $86,058 for surgical technologists in the Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: