Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Omaha, NE: $53,933 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Omaha, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,933 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Omaha's local price level (BEA RPP 91.9 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,680 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,563) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For aspiring surgical technologists in Omaha, Nebraska, the starting salary in 2026 is projected to be around $53,933, which is notably lower than the city median of $68,563. New graduates can expect to experience a growth trajectory that may take them through the first few years, possibly reaching salaries around $63,978 as they progress. Despite the initial pay being below the city median, Omaha remains a strong market for new entrants into the field, supported by its growing healthcare sector. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.40% for surgical technologists, those entering the profession can see their earnings reasonably increase as they gain experience and develop specialized skills.
Career Earnings Timeline in Omaha
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 Omaha
Entry-level surgical technologists in Omaha, NE typically start between $53,933 and $63,978 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,382 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,563 — 0.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Nebraska of $10,000 represents just 18.54% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($53,933/year) in Omaha. 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 Omaha
- 1Research the Omaha market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $53,933 to $63,978, 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 NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Omaha, 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 Omaha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Omaha'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 Omaha is $34,382 ( 63.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,933, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,315.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,940
2025 BLS Actual
$51,170
2026 Current Est.
$53,933
2019–2027 Growth
+62.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,010 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,933 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,846 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Omaha, NE grew 46.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,940 in 2019 to $51,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,846. New graduates entering the Omaha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Omaha 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 Omaha
Looking at the job landscape for new graduates, major employers in Omaha include hospital operating rooms, which typically hire entry-level surgical technologists with general specialties, as well as ambulatory surgery centers that offer an appealing no-call lifestyle. For those interested in maximizing their earning potential, credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and certification from the NBSTSA for the CST designation are vital. Furthermore, those aspiring to roles in cardiothoracic or neurosurgery, which often yield higher pay, should consider additional certifications like the CSFA for surgical first assistants. Preparing for the first 1-3 years in this profession involves not only securing foundational positions but also pursuing further education and specialized training, including robotic surgery certification, to distinguish oneself in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Omaha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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