Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Manhattan, KS: $43,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,307 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,642 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,285) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A newly graduated surgical technologist can expect a starting salary around $43,307 in 2026 when entering the workforce in Manhattan, Kansas. This figure marks a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $62,285, reflecting the growth trajectory that new professionals can anticipate over the first few years. With a standard annual growth rate of 5.40%, many may progress to the 25th percentile of entry-level earnings at approximately $51,700 within the initial three to five years of their careers. This growth indicates that while starting pay may seem modest, there is a clear path to increased income as skills and experience are accrued, making Manhattan a relatively favorable job market for fresh graduates looking to build their careers.
About the Manhattan Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Entry-level surgical technologists in Manhattan, KS typically start between $43,307 and $51,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,481 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,285 — 8.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Kansas of $8,000 represents just 18.47% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($43,307/year) in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $43,307 to $51,700, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manhattan, 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 Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan'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 Manhattan is $47,481 ( 109.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,307, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,788.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,540
2025 BLS Actual
$41,088
2026 Current Est.
$43,307
2019–2027 Growth
+40.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,280 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,756 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,022 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,088 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,645 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew 26.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,540 in 2019 to $41,088 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,645. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
In Manhattan, local employers, such as hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, actively recruit newly graduated surgical technologists. Many start at entry-level positions with a general specialty rotation, while ambulatory centers can offer a no-call lifestyle that appeals to new professionals. To enhance their starting salaries, newcomers should prioritize obtaining credentials such as CST certification from the NBSTSA and completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, which is critical since the federal hiring standard changed in 2021. Advancing in specialty areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can lead to higher compensation, as those fields often command premium pay. Additionally, gaining skills in robotic surgery can serve as a differentiator in a competitive job market, offering promising career advancement opportunities. With these strategies, salary growth is realistic during the first few years, reflecting an understanding of the evolving demands within surgical technology.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Manhattan in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Manhattan?
Is surgical services school worth it in Manhattan?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Manhattan?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Kansas?
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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
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 Manhattan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manhattan 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