Surgical Technologist Salary in Hays, KS: $57,993 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Hays, KS earns a median $57,993/year (≈ $27.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $63,799 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for a surgical technologist in Hays, Kansas, is projected to average $57,993 annually, significantly below the national median of $68,141. With a salary range spanning from $46,079 at the 10th percentile to $82,626 at the 90th percentile, local estimates indicate that the compensation landscape is competitive while reflecting regional nuances. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for local economic conditions, including the lower cost of living in Hays with a cost of living index of 90.9. A growing trend in robotic surgery certification can also influence compensation, as employers value advanced skills in this technology, potentially giving certified technologists an edge in pay and job opportunities.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,079 | $22.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,826 | $24.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,993 | $27.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,285 | $33.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,626 | $39.73 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,547 (2026 est.). At $57,993, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Hays median: $57,993/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,959 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -14.89% less |
Surgical Technologists in Hays, KS earn a median of $57,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $61,959.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $57,993 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,799 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,107
2025 BLS Actual
$55,022
2026 Current Est.
$57,993
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,307 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,303 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,022 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,993 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $41,107 (2019) to $55,022 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,018 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $46,079 – $51,826 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,826 – $57,993 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,993 – $70,285 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,285 – $82,626 |
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 Hays
The job market for surgical technologists in Hays remains limited, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. To understand the local economic landscape, it’s essential to recognize the impact of the cost of living on disposable income and purchasing power. Employers such as local hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers offer varying pay scales, with those in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and trauma services typically earning the top salaries. Pay differentials are also driven by factors such as additional call coverage, certifications in advanced surgical techniques, and duties that extend beyond the traditional surgical technologist role. For those seeking to maximize earnings, pursuing targeted certifications in robotic surgery and positioning themselves for roles in specialized surgical environments can provide a significant advantage in negotiating higher pay within Hays, KS.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
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 $55,022 for surgical technologistsin the Hays 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 Hays 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