Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Anna, TX: $45,790 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Anna, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,790 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Anna's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,698 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,654) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Anna, Texas, can expect an entry-level pay of approximately $45,790. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for surgical technologists. When compared to the city’s median annual salary of $64,654, there is a notable gap between starting pay and what experienced professionals earn, highlighting the financial growth potential for early-career individuals. Over the first few years, as they gain experience and improve their skills, new surgical technologists can realistically anticipate moving to the 25th percentile, earning around $56,381, and potentially reaching the median salary with dedication and continued professional development. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Anna presents a favorable job market for new graduates exploring opportunities in this critical healthcare role.
About the Anna Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Anna
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 Anna
Entry-level surgical technologists in Anna, TX typically start between $45,790 and $56,381 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,923 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,654 — 5.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Texas of $10,000 represents just 21.84% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,790/year) in Anna. 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 Anna
- 1Research the Anna market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,790 to $56,381, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Anna, 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 Anna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Anna's moderate 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 Anna is $50,923 ( 111.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,790, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,713.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,604
2025 BLS Actual
$43,444
2026 Current Est.
$45,790
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Anna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,266 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,749 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,432 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,056 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,444 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,790 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,263 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Anna, TX grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,604 in 2019 to $43,444 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,263. New graduates entering the Anna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anna 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 Anna
In Anna, several employers actively seek to hire recent graduates in surgical technology. The most prevalent hiring opportunities are found in hospital operating rooms, which typically favor candidates with general specialty rotations. For those interested in a better work-life balance, ambulatory surgery centers provide positions with a desirable no-call lifestyle, making them an excellent option for new grads. However, as many specialty surgical centers look for experienced surgical technologists, gaining qualifications becomes vital for career advancement. Aspiring surgical technologists can enhance their starting pay by obtaining a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, along with the CST certification issued by the NBSTSA, which has been a federal hiring standard since 2021. As new grads explore the job market, focusing on certifications in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can significantly impact salary growth, while skills in robotic surgery—specifically the da Vinci system—serve as a compelling differentiator that might elevate their marketability and earning potential in the first few years.
More salary data for Anna, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Anna in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Anna?
Is surgical services school worth it in Anna?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Anna?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Anna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anna 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