Surgical Technologist Salary in Richmond, KY: $59,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Richmond, KY earns a median $59,915/year (≈ $28.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $67,094 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $59,915 for 2026, surgical technologists in Richmond, Kentucky, find themselves earning below the national average in this field. The salary range spans from $42,884 at the 10th percentile to $84,638 at the 90th percentile, highlighting both opportunities and variance in earnings. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, reveal an industry landscape where professionals can enhance their earning potential, especially through advancements such as robotic surgery certification. Given the growth rate of 5.40% annually for surgical technologists, these roles are expected to remain vital in local healthcare settings. The evolving job market in Richmond indicates a growing recognition of specialized skills, particularly in surgical technology.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,884 | $20.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,449 | $24.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,915 | $28.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,817 | $35.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,638 | $40.69 |
Median Salary Position
12.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, KY, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,754 (2026 est.). At $59,915, the local median is 12.07% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Richmond median: $59,915/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $60,827 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.07% less |
Surgical Technologists in Richmond, KY earn a median of $59,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $60,827.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond 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.
Richmond, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,915 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,094 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,469
2025 BLS Actual
$56,845
2026 Current Est.
$59,915
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,469 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,709 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,671 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,204 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,293 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,150 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,469 (2019) to $56,845 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,150 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,681 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $42,884 – $50,449 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,449 – $59,915 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,915 – $72,817 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,817 – $84,638 |
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 Richmond
Despite the relatively modest earnings, the local employment scenario is quite concentrated, with only five surgical technologists currently employed in Richmond. This limited workforce, combined with a low cost-of-living index at 89.3, suggests that residents can enjoy a better take-home purchasing power compared to many other areas. Major employers in Richmond include hospital operating rooms and specialty centers, with those focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgeries generally offering the highest pay. The disparity between lower and higher salaries in the region is often influenced by specialty certifications, call coverage, and roles such as surgical first assistants. Surgical technologists can maximize their earnings by seeking additional certifications and experience in high-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, as well as exploring travel positions, which often provide significant financial incentives.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $56,845 for surgical technologistsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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