Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Plano, TX: $105,274 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Plano, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $105,274/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Plano's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $109,660 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced surgical technologists in Plano, Texas, can anticipate a median annual salary of $69,079, with the potential for top earners to reach an impressive $105,274. This P90 figure significantly outpaces the national top salary threshold, indicating a strong demand for advanced skills and years of experience in the local market. The gap between the median salary and top earners highlights the experience premium, rewarding those who have dedicated over seven years to their careers. Attaining this level of compensation requires not only technical proficiency but also specialization in high-demand surgical areas and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Plano earn between $85,751 and $105,274 per year (2026 est.). This $59,488 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plano median of $69,079 sits 1.38% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Plano | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $69,079 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,751 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $105,274 | $102,175 |
In Plano, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 52.40% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Plano
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $69,079 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plano employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Plano command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,751–$105,274 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plano 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 Plano 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 Plano
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlano ranks #10 of 109 Texas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $105,274).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Plano ($105,274) is 9.13% above the Texas average P90 ($96,463).
2019 BLS Actual
$73,565
2025 BLS Actual
$99,880
2026 Current Est.
$105,274
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Plano (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,565 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,327 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,943 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,288 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,880 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,274 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,958 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Plano saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $73,565 in 2019 to $99,880 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 $110,958 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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 Plano
For senior surgical technologists in Plano, specialty training can lead to premium pay opportunities. Specializations in cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery consistently command higher salaries, while proficiency with robotic surgical systems like the da Vinci platform offers additional financial incentives. Compensation varies significantly based on employment setting; for instance, surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms may earn more than those in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty clinics. Leadership roles such as OR supervisor or lead surgical tech pave the way for increased pay, particularly when combined with certifications like Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Advanced credentials, including CST certification from NBSTSA, are essential for maximizing salary prospects in Texas, especially amid the evolving standards set by CAAHEP-accredited programs. Additional factors, such as call coverage and trauma center designations, also play a role in determining overall compensation for senior surgical techs in the region.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Plano in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Plano?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Plano?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Plano?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Plano?
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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 $99,880 for surgical technologists in the Plano 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 Plano 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