Surgical Technologist Salary in Murray, KY: $56,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Murray, KY earns a median $56,913/year (≈ $27.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $63,732 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists in Murray, Kentucky, is $56,913, which reflects the unique employment environment shaped by local healthcare facilities. Given the diverse options for surgical technologists in the area—ranging from hospital operating rooms to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers—the salary spectrum varies considerably. The full salary range spans from $45,182 at the tenth percentile to $81,113 at the ninetieth percentile, highlighting a significant disparity based on the setting and specialization of the employment. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, revealing insights into the compensation landscape specific to Murray, KY.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,182 | $21.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,787 | $24.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,913 | $27.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,864 | $33.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,113 | $39.00 |
Median Salary Position
16.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,931 (2026 est.). At $56,913, the local median is 16.48% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Murray median: $56,913/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $60,869 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -16.48% less |
Surgical Technologists in Murray, KY earn a median of $56,913 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.48% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $60,869.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $56,913 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,732 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,341
2025 BLS Actual
$53,997
2026 Current Est.
$56,913
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,739 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,623 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,761 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,997 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,986 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $40,341 (2019) to $53,997 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,986 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,645 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $45,182 – $50,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,787 – $56,913 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,913 – $68,864 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,864 – $81,113 |
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 Murray
The local job market for surgical technologists is modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. This limited pool can be attributed to a cost of living index of 89.3, indicating that housing and other expenses are comparatively lower than the national average, which positively affects take-home purchasing power. Among the various employers, those in hospital operating rooms generally offer higher compensation, especially for specialized roles in fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Factors that contribute to the salary ranges include specialized certifications like robotic surgery training, which can lead to premium pay, as well as additional stipends for on-call coverage or serving as surgical first assistants. To maximize pay in Murray, aspiring surgical technologists should consider obtaining advanced certifications and seek opportunities in higher-paying specialties, thereby enhancing their career trajectory within this evolving field.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 $53,997 for surgical technologistsin the Murray 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 Murray 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