Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $65,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $65,137/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $74,329 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior surgical technologists in Hattiesburg, MS, can anticipate a robust earning potential, with top-tier salaries reaching as high as $65,137 in 2026. Those in the 75th percentile can expect salaries around $60,816, illustrating a significant distinction between median pay of $51,235 and what experienced professionals can command at the highest levels. This experience premium highlights the importance of specialized skills combined with years of service, as achieving such financial rewards typically necessitates not only advanced technical proficiency but also deep familiarity with surgical procedures and protocols. As professionals work to maximize their earning potential, transitioning into high-demand surgical specialties or taking on leadership roles can be viable paths toward achieving the top surgical technologist salary in Hattiesburg.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $60,816 and $65,137 per year (2026 est.). This $24,305 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $51,235 sits 24.81% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $51,235 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,816 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $65,137 | $102,175 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 27.13% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $51,235 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $60,816–$65,137 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #19 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $65,137).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Hattiesburg ($65,137) is 8.31% below the Mississippi average P90 ($71,037).
2019 BLS Actual
$51,720
2025 BLS Actual
$61,800
2026 Current Est.
$65,137
2019–2027 Growth
+32.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,655 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 19.5% from $51,720 in 2019 to $61,800 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 $68,655 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Compensation dynamics among experienced surgical technologists can vary widely based on specialization and employer type. Surgical technologists focusing on high-stakes areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, or robotic surgery (like those certified in the da Vinci system) command some of the highest pay rates in Hattiesburg. Moreover, those working in hospital settings often earn more than their counterparts in ambulatory surgical centers or military surgical units. Advancement opportunities are also plentiful; seasoned professionals may choose to progress into roles such as lead surgical technologist, surgical first assistant, or OR supervisor, each of which can further enhance their compensation. Advanced credentials, such as CST certification, remain vital for career advancement, especially in a market where the federal hiring standard has shifted since 2021. Additionally, non-salary benefits like call coverage and robotic surgery stipends play a significant role in the overall compensation equation, making it crucial for surgical technologists in Hattiesburg to consider the full range of earning opportunities available to them.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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 $61,800 for surgical technologists in the Hattiesburg 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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