Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Rowlett, TX: $97,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Rowlett, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $97,499/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Rowlett's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $101,561 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned surgical technologists in Rowlett, TX, have the potential to earn remarkable salaries, with top earners (P90) reaching $97,499 annually and the P75 tier at $80,415. The median annual salary for this role is projected at $64,778, illustrating a significant experience premium for those in the field who advance their careers. This discrepancy highlights the dedication required to transition from a median position to the highest earnings, encouraging professionals to pursue specialized training and certifications. Rowlett's earnings for senior surgical technologists are competitive, though they fall approximately 4.94% below the national median of $68,141. Such figures reveal the financial incentives that come with developing expertise and pursuing advanced credentials, essential for professionals eager to maximize their pay in a demanding healthcare environment.
About the Rowlett Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rowlett
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Rowlett earn between $80,415 and $97,499 per year (2026 est.). This $51,887 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rowlett median of $64,778 sits 4.94% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Rowlett | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,778 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,415 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $97,499 | $102,175 |
In Rowlett, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 50.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Rowlett
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,778 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rowlett employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Rowlett command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,415–$97,499 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rowlett 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 Rowlett 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 Rowlett
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRowlett ranks #47 of 109 Texas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $97,499).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Rowlett ($97,499) is 1.07% above the Texas average P90 ($96,463).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,133
2025 BLS Actual
$92,504
2026 Current Est.
$97,499
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rowlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,764 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,965 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,345 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,322 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,504 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,764 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Rowlett saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $68,133 in 2019 to $92,504 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 $102,764 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rowlett 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 Rowlett
Compensation among experienced surgical technologists in Rowlett varies considerably based on specialization and employment setting. Professions in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery, particularly with da Vinci certification, typically command higher salaries. Working in diverse environments—ranging from affluent hospital operating rooms to specialty surgical centers and military units—can also influence pay structures. Furthermore, career advancement opportunities are within reach; roles such as lead surgical technologist, surgical first assistant (after obtaining CSFA certification), and OR supervisor are realistic paths for senior professionals. To boost earning potential, advanced credentials such as the CST certification through NBSTSA, combined with a diploma from a CAAHEP-accredited program, enhance one’s marketability. Non-salary compensation incentives, such as call coverage and specialized stipends, can further elevate overall income, particularly for those who work in trauma center facilities or travel surgical tech agencies.
More salary data for Rowlett, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Rowlett in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Rowlett?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Rowlett?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Rowlett?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Rowlett?
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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 $92,504 for surgical technologists in the Rowlett 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 Rowlett 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