Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Rawlins, WY: $89,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Rawlins, WY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,724/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Rawlins's price premium (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,658 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rawlins, Wyoming, experienced surgical technologists can achieve impressive compensation, with top earners in the field projected to earn as much as $89,724 annually in 2026. This ability to command high salaries underscores the significant experience premium associated with senior positions; the median annual salary sits at $61,871, revealing a substantial income disparity among specialists in this region. To reach such top-tier pay in Rawlins, surgical technologists typically need over seven years of experience, coupled with specialized training or certification in higher-demand fields such as neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, or robotic surgery. Each specialization not only enhances their skill set but also gives them leverage to negotiate for better salaries and positions within their healthcare settings.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rawlins
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Rawlins earn between $72,220 and $89,724 per year (2026 est.). This $44,742 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rawlins median of $61,871 sits 9.2% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Rawlins | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,871 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,220 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,724 | $102,175 |
In Rawlins, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 45.02% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Rawlins
Advanced Certifications in Wyoming
WY surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $61,871 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rawlins employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Rawlins command premium compensation, often reaching the $72,220–$89,724 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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 Wyoming 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 Rawlins
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRawlins ranks #3 of 14 Wyoming cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $89,724).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Rawlins ($89,724) is 2.71% above the Wyoming average P90 ($87,360).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,699
2025 BLS Actual
$85,127
2026 Current Est.
$89,724
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rawlins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,201 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,987 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,017 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,066 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,127 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,569 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Rawlins saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $62,699 in 2019 to $85,127 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 $94,569 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
At the senior level, compensation for surgical technologists in Rawlins varies considerably depending on the type of employer and specific role. Those specializing in high-demand areas such as robotic surgery or trauma care tend to attract the highest salaries, particularly when employed at major hospital operating rooms compared to smaller ambulatory surgery centers. Moreover, pursuing advanced credentials can facilitate career advancement, leading to positions like lead surgical tech or surgical first assistant, which can considerably elevate earnings. Employers increasingly look favorably upon certifications like CST, and further qualifications such as CSFA can add notable value. Beyond the base salary, factors like call coverage, specialty premiums, and travel assignments can significantly enhance total compensation, ensuring that senior surgical technologists in WY are well-compensated for their expertise and commitment to the field.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Rawlins in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Rawlins?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Rawlins?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Rawlins?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Rawlins?
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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 $85,127 for surgical technologists in the Rawlins 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 Rawlins 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