Surgical Technologist Salary in Lawrence, KS: $62,633 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Lawrence, KS earns a median $62,633/year (≈ $30.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $68,903 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Lawrence, Kansas, can expect a median annual salary of $62,633, which is approximately 8.08% below the national median of $68,141. Local salaries range from $42,547 at the lower 10th percentile to $92,007 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization among professionals in this field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances. Notably, certifications in robotic surgery have emerged as a significant factor contributing to higher compensation within the profession, making it essential for aspiring surgical technologists in Lawrence to consider specialized training that enhances their marketability and earning potential.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,547 | $20.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,803 | $26.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,633 | $30.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,393 | $36.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,007 | $44.24 |
Median Salary Position
8.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, KS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,460 (2026 est.). At $62,633, the local median is 8.08% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $62,633/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,951 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -8.08% less |
Surgical Technologists in Lawrence, KS earn a median of $62,633 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the Kansas state average of $61,951.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence 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.
Lawrence, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $62,633 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,903 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,396
2025 BLS Actual
$59,424
2026 Current Est.
$62,633
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,692 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,607 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,711 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,633 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,015 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $44,396 (2019) to $59,424 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,619 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $42,547 – $54,803 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,803 – $62,633 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,633 – $76,393 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,393 – $92,007 |
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 Lawrence
The job market for surgical technologists in Lawrence is relatively steady, with 22 professionals currently employed in the area. Given its cost-of-living index of 90.9, which is below the national average, salaries in this region provide a favorable environment for residents when it comes to purchasing power. Among employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty centers, such as those focusing on orthopedic or cardiovascular procedures, tend to offer the highest wages. The salary discrepancy within the market often hinges on specialty certifications, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, as well as factors like call coverage, additional stips for robotic surgery training, and experience as a surgical first assistant. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Lawrence, pursuing certification upgrades, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and considering roles with travel surgical tech agencies may prove beneficial for their career advancement.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Lawrence, KS in 2026?
Is Lawrence, KS a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Lawrence?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Lawrence?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Lawrence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $59,424 for surgical technologistsin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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