Surgical Technologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $60,930 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Burlington, IA earns a median $60,930/year (≈ $29.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $67,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the surgical technologist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $60,930 by 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $68,141. This compensation reflects a salary range that spans from $45,666 at the 10th percentile to $86,233 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, indicate that surgical technologists with specialized skills, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can command higher pay within this spectrum. Factors such as additional training and certifications, including expertise in robotic surgery, further enhance earning potential in Burlington’s surgical field.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,666 | $21.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,598 | $25.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,930 | $29.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,350 | $35.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,233 | $41.45 |
Median Salary Position
10.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, IA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,567 (2026 est.). At $60,930, the local median is 10.58% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Burlington median: $60,930/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $63,468 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -10.58% less |
Surgical Technologists in Burlington, IA earn a median of $60,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.58% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $63,468.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,930 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,400 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,188
2025 BLS Actual
$57,808
2026 Current Est.
$60,930
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,449 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,038 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,196 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,808 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,930 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,220 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,188 (2019) to $57,808 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,220 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,032 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $45,666 – $52,598 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,598 – $60,930 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,930 – $73,350 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,350 – $86,233 |
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 Burlington
The local job market for surgical technologists in Burlington is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in this area. This limited pool combines with a cost of living index of 90.4, which suggests a lower living expense compared to national averages, potentially increasing the purchasing power of local salaries. Best-paying employers in the region include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures. Pay disparities can arise from factors like the complexity of the surgical specialty, call coverage requirements, and specific role certifications such as CSFA. To maximize earnings in Burlington, surgical technologists should pursue specialized certifications, seek opportunities in high-demand surgical specialties, and consider roles that offer stipends for additional qualifications.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 $57,808 for surgical technologistsin the Burlington 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
Salary data for Burlington 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