Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Bartlesville, OK: $89,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Bartlesville, OK — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,146/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Bartlesville's price premium (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $100,277 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bartlesville, Oklahoma, surgical technologists with significant experience can anticipate salaries that reflect their advanced skills and specialization. By 2026, top earners can expect a salary around $89,146, with the 75th percentile earning about $70,733. When compared to the national benchmark, which stands at a median of $68,141, the earnings of seasoned professionals in Bartlesville demonstrate a compelling advantage, especially against the city's median of $59,430. To achieve this level of compensation, professionals typically need to gather over seven years of hands-on experience, often in high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where the complexity of procedures justifies elevated pay rates.
About the Bartlesville Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bartlesville
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Bartlesville earn between $70,733 and $89,146 per year (2026 est.). This $46,782 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bartlesville median of $59,430 sits 12.78% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Bartlesville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,430 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,733 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,146 | $102,175 |
In Bartlesville, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 50.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Bartlesville
Advanced Certifications in Oklahoma
OK surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $59,430 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bartlesville employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Bartlesville command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,733–$89,146 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville 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 Oklahoma 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 Bartlesville
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBartlesville ranks #6 of 27 Oklahoma cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $89,146).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Bartlesville ($89,146) is 10.34% above the Oklahoma average P90 ($80,793).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,296
2025 BLS Actual
$84,579
2026 Current Est.
$89,146
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bartlesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,296 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,788 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,543 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,579 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,960 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Bartlesville saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $62,296 in 2019 to $84,579 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 $93,960 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville
Analysis of the current market highlights the influence of specialization on salary potential in Bartlesville's surgical technology field. Experienced professionals focusing on roles in cardiovascular surgery, robotic surgery (particularly da Vinci certified technicians), or trauma surgery tend to see the highest pay. Compensation can also vary significantly depending on the type of employer—hospital operating rooms might offer different scales compared to ambulatory surgery centers or specialty facilities dedicated to orthopedic or ophthalmology procedures. Career advancement for senior surgical technologists may lead to leadership roles such as OR supervisor or surgical first assistant (CSFA), which can further enhance earning potential. Holding advanced credentials like CST certifications from the NBSTSA coupled with a diploma or degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program can also positively influence salaries, alongside benefits from call coverage or additional stipends for specialized certifications. As compensation packages incorporate various incentives, aspiring surgical technologists in OK should consider all avenues to elevate their earning potential beyond base salary figures.
More salary data for Bartlesville, OK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Bartlesville in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Bartlesville?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Bartlesville?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Bartlesville?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Bartlesville?
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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 $84,579 for surgical technologists in the Bartlesville 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 Bartlesville 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