Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Pierre, SD: $85,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,172/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $91,780 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
In Pierre, South Dakota, the potential for senior surgical technologists to earn top salaries is significant, with the 2026 projected salary reaching a promising $85,172 for the top 10% of earners. This figure reflects a notable experience premium over the median annual salary of $59,410, emphasizing the substantial rewards available for those who have honed their skills over several years. To achieve this elevated income, professionals often need to focus on specializations such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, or robotic surgery, which are highly regarded in the market. As the demand for advanced technical skills continues to grow, experienced surgical technologists in Pierre can position themselves competitively not only within the city but against the national top earner benchmarks, which aggregate around $68,141 in 2026.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $72,195 and $85,172 per year (2026 est.). This $42,611 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $59,410 sits 12.81% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,410 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,195 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,172 | $102,175 |
In Pierre, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 43.36% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $59,410 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,195–$85,172 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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 South Dakota 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 Pierre
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPierre ranks #3 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $85,172).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Pierre ($85,172) is 11.22% above the South Dakota average P90 ($76,579).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,518
2025 BLS Actual
$80,808
2026 Current Est.
$85,172
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,518 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,303 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,487 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,024 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,771 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $59,518 in 2019 to $80,808 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 $89,771 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
When analyzing compensation trends, it becomes evident that different employer types significantly influence salary opportunities for senior surgical technologists in Pierre. Those employed in hospital operating rooms typically earn more compared to their counterparts in ambulatory surgery centers or military units. Advanced certifications and specializations can lead to higher pay, particularly for those involved in robotic surgery or trauma care. The journey to leadership roles, such as becoming an OR supervisor or a surgical first assistant (CSFA), requires additional training and credentials beyond the initial CST certification, which is expected as the federal standard for hiring. Furthermore, non-salary compensation factors, such as call coverage and stipends for advanced certifications, can further enhance the financial package for these top-tier professionals in SD. Advanced educational credentials from CAAHEP-accredited programs and continued professional development through organizations like AST can also bolster earning potential in an evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Pierre?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Pierre?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Pierre?
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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 $80,808 for surgical technologists in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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