Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Texarkana, AR: $43,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Texarkana, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,504 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,062 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist profession in Texarkana, AR, can expect a starting salary around $43,504 in 2026. This figure is below the city median annual wage of $56,958, highlighting a gap that entry-level professionals typically face. However, the growth trajectory for surgical technologists offers promising advancements; over the first three to five years, salaries can increase to approximately $49,803, nearing the median as they gain experience. Given the relatively low cost of living in Texarkana, where the cost of living index stands at 86.9, the entry-level pay provides a solid foundation for new surgical technologist roles, offering new graduates viable employment opportunities in the region.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Entry-level surgical technologists in Texarkana, AR typically start between $43,504 and $49,803 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,893 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,958 — 16.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Arkansas of $7,000 represents just 16.09% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($43,504/year) in Texarkana. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $43,504 to $49,803, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Texarkana, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Texarkana is $39,893 ( 91.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,504, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,397.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,026
2025 BLS Actual
$41,275
2026 Current Est.
$43,504
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,026 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,512 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,275 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,853 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, AR grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,026 in 2019 to $41,275 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,853. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Texarkana
For those just starting, Texarkana's healthcare facilities are keen on hiring new graduates, particularly hospitals with operating rooms that usually have openings for surgical technologists, often offering general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers in the area are also appealing for those seeking a no-call lifestyle, but these positions may not always translate into the same pay as hospital roles. New entrants looking to maximize their earning potential should prioritize obtaining credentials recognized by the national standards; completing a CAAHEP-accredited program and earning CST certification from the NBSTSA are crucial steps in this process. Within the first three years, surgical technologists with specialization in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command higher pay. Pursuing additional credentials, such as advanced certifications in robotic surgery, can further enhance one’s career prospects and salary growth in this evolving field in Texarkana.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is surgical services school worth it in Texarkana?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Texarkana?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Arkansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana 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