Surgical Technologist Salary in Jonesboro, AR: $52,268 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Jonesboro, AR earns a median $52,268/year (≈ $25.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Jonesboro's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.9), that paycheck buys what $60,865 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.7% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Jonesboro, Arkansas, can expect a median annual salary of $52,268, reflecting a significant gap of approximately 23.29% when compared to the national average of $68,141. Salaries in this field can range from $33,222 at the lower tenth percentile to $68,847 for those in the 90th percentile, as indicated by the 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This compensation can vary based on expertise and certifications, including those related to robotic surgery, which is becoming increasingly important in the local job market. As Jonesboro continues evolving with advancements in surgical technology, opportunities for competitive pay in surgical technologist roles will likely expand, especially for those with specialized training and credentials.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,222 | $15.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,928 | $24.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,268 | $25.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,292 | $26.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,847 | $33.10 |
Median Salary Position
23.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jonesboro
In Jonesboro, AR, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,625 (2026 est.). At $52,268, the local median is 23.29% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jonesboro: You'd be above the median
How Jonesboro Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Jonesboro median: $52,268/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jonesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $59,193 | -11.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -23.29% less |
Surgical Technologists in Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $52,268 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.29% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 11.70% below the Arkansas state average of $59,193.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jonesboro has a cost of living 14.12% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jonesboro, AR has a cost-of-living index of 85.876 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $52,268 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,865 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.45% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,570
2025 BLS Actual
$49,590
2026 Current Est.
$52,268
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,590 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,268 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,090 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jonesboro metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 25.3% from $39,570 (2019) to $49,590 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,090 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,520 (39.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,222 – $49,928 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,928 – $52,268 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,268 – $54,292 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,292 – $68,847 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Jonesboro
A total of 140 surgical technologists are currently employed in Jonesboro, AR, contributing to the growth of the local healthcare sector. The area's cost of living index stands at 85.876, which is below the national average, allowing surgical technologists to enjoy a relative increase in purchasing power despite lower salaries compared to national standards. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers in fields such as orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery typically offer higher pay, potentially bolstered by additional certifications like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). The variation in salaries stems from factors such as specialty training, call coverage, and travel surgical tech agency assignments. For those looking to maximize their pay, obtaining certifications in high-demand specialties and engaging with continuing education opportunities can be effective strategies in this competitive Jonesboro market.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,590 for surgical technologistsin the Jonesboro metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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