Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Salina, KS: $84,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Salina, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,752/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Salina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,237 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salina, Kansas, an experienced surgical technologist can expect to earn a significant income, with 2026 projections indicating a top salary of $84,752. This amount reflects a noteworthy gap between the median annual salary of $59,936 and the earnings of top-tier professionals. Achieving these higher compensation levels necessitates not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also specialization and advanced certifications that set these surgical technologists apart from their peers. The potential for increased earning power highlights the value of continued education and skill development in a competitive field, particularly in a city where the cost of living remains below the national average.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Salina earn between $71,601 and $84,752 per year (2026 est.). This $38,389 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salina median of $59,936 sits 12.04% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Salina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,936 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,601 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,752 | $102,175 |
In Salina, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 41.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Salina
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $59,936 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salina employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Salina command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,601–$84,752 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salina 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 Salina 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 Salina
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalina ranks #14 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $84,752).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Salina ($84,752) is 6.55% above the Kansas average P90 ($79,543).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,225
2025 BLS Actual
$80,410
2026 Current Est.
$84,752
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,164 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,971 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,329 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Salina saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $59,225 in 2019 to $80,410 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 $89,329 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
Compensation for senior surgical technologists in Salina is influenced by various factors, including specialization areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery, which tend to command higher pay rates. Employment settings also play a crucial role: professionals working in hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers often enjoy higher salaries compared to those in ambulatory surgery centers. Leadership opportunities, such as becoming an OR supervisor or a surgical first assistant, can further enhance earning potential. Additionally, obtaining credentials like the CST certification and advanced certifications such as the CSFA can significantly impact salary negotiations. Non-salary benefits, including call coverage and stipends for robotic surgery certification, add valuable incentives for senior professionals committed to advancing their careers in surgical technology in KS.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Salina in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Salina?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Salina?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Salina?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Salina?
Related Pages
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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 $80,410 for surgical technologists in the Salina 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 Salina 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