Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in North Richland Hills, TX: $95,033 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in North Richland Hills, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $95,033/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back North Richland Hills's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,993 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In the competitive market of North Richland Hills, Texas, experienced surgical technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $64,065 in 2026, with the potential to ascend to top-tier pay around $95,033. This substantial disparity between the median and the highest earnings highlights a significant experience premium for seasoned professionals. To reach that level of compensation, individuals must not only accumulate over seven years of experience but also seek specializations such as robotic surgery or positions in high-demand surgical fields. The income levels for senior surgical technologists emphasize the financial benefits available through advanced certifications and a focus on high-stakes roles within the healthcare environment.
About the North Richland Hills Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Richland Hills
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in North Richland Hills earn between $78,694 and $95,033 per year (2026 est.). This $48,906 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The North Richland Hills median of $64,065 sits 5.98% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | North Richland Hills | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,065 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,694 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $95,033 | $102,175 |
In North Richland Hills, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 48.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in North Richland Hills
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,065 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by North Richland Hills employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in North Richland Hills command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,694–$95,033 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills 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 Texas 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 North Richland Hills
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedNorth Richland Hills ranks #60 of 109 Texas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $95,033).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in North Richland Hills ($95,033) is 1.48% below the Texas average P90 ($96,463).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,409
2025 BLS Actual
$90,164
2026 Current Est.
$95,033
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in North Richland Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,409 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,632 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,338 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,033 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,165 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in North Richland Hills saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $66,409 in 2019 to $90,164 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 $100,165 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills
Senior surgical technologists in North Richland Hills can enhance their earnings by pursuing specialized fields that command higher compensation, such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and trauma surgery. Compensation can vary widely based on the employer type, with hospital operating rooms generally offering more substantial pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical facilities. Additionally, career advancement opportunities are plentiful, allowing experienced professionals to transition into roles like lead surgical technologist and surgical first assistant, especially after obtaining further credentials like the CSFA. Moreover, obtaining additional certifications such as CST through the NBSTSA can enhance one’s employability and salary options, particularly in high-demand areas, while benefits like call coverage and travel surgical tech rates add further value to the overall compensation package in this field.
More salary data for North Richland Hills, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in North Richland Hills in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in North Richland Hills?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in North Richland Hills?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in North Richland Hills?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in North Richland Hills?
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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 $90,164 for surgical technologists in the North Richland Hills 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 North Richland Hills 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