Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Round Rock, TX: $121,428 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Round Rock, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $121,428/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Round Rock's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $126,488 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Round Rock, Texas, the potential for experienced surgical technologists to earn a lucrative salary is significant, with the top-tier pay reaching $121,428 in 2026. This remarkably high figure reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the region, especially when compared to the national top surgical technologist salary of $68,141. With a median annual salary of $78,341 in Round Rock, there is a substantial gap between what median earners make and the highest earners. Achieving such top-tier compensation often requires not only extensive experience, typically over seven years, but also advanced specializations or certifications, such as robotic surgery (da Vinci) certification, which enhance a technologist's marketability in this competitive field.
About the Round Rock Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Round Rock
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Round Rock earn between $99,913 and $121,428 per year (2026 est.). This $68,862 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Round Rock median of $78,341 sits 14.97% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Round Rock | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,341 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,913 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $121,428 | $102,175 |
In Round Rock, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Round Rock
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $78,341 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Round Rock employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Round Rock command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,913–$121,428 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Round Rock 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 Round Rock 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 Round Rock
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRound Rock ranks #3 of 109 Texas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $121,428).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Round Rock ($121,428) is 25.88% above the Texas average P90 ($96,463).
2019 BLS Actual
$84,854
2025 BLS Actual
$115,207
2026 Current Est.
$121,428
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Round Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,854 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,887 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,364 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,603 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,207 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,428 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,985 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Round Rock saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $84,854 in 2019 to $115,207 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 $127,985 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Round Rock 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 Round Rock
A variety of surgical specializations can command premium pay for senior surgical technologists in Round Rock, including roles in cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and pediatric surgery. Compensation varies notably across the types of healthcare settings, where operating rooms in hospitals tend to offer better pay than ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers. Moreover, advancing into leadership roles, such as surgical first assistant (CSFA), OR supervisor, or sterile processing supervisor, can further elevate earning potential. Obtaining advanced credentials like the CST certification, along with a diploma from a CAAHEP-accredited program, is crucial for anyone aiming for these higher salaries. Non-salary compensation elements, such as call coverage and additional stipends for proficiency in robotic surgery, contribute to the overall earning potential for senior surgical technologists in TX, making the field attractive for motivated professionals looking to enhance their careers.
More salary data for Round Rock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Round Rock in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Round Rock?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Round Rock?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Round Rock?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Round Rock?
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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 $115,207 for surgical technologists in the Round Rock 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 Round Rock 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