Surgical Technologist Salary in Central, LA: $58,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Central, LA earns a median $58,447/year (≈ $28.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Central's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $64,725 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $58,447, which reflects the dynamics of the local healthcare market, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. The projected salary range for this profession spans from $44,271 at the 10th percentile to $85,432 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. While the pay scale is somewhat lower compared to the national median of $68,141, it highlights not only the opportunities available within Central's job market but also the varying degree of compensation based on the type of surgical facility and the specific skills required for different surgical specialties.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,271 | $21.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,014 | $24.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,447 | $28.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,520 | $34.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,432 | $41.07 |
Median Salary Position
14.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central
In Central, LA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,161 (2026 est.). At $58,447, the local median is 14.23% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Central: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Central Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Central median: $58,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $60,819 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -14.23% less |
Surgical Technologists in Central, LA earn a median of $58,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $60,819.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $58,447 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,725 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,429
2025 BLS Actual
$55,453
2026 Current Est.
$58,447
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,626 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,999 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,638 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,453 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $41,429 (2019) to $55,453 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,175 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central 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) | $44,271 – $51,014 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,014 – $58,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,447 – $71,520 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,520 – $85,432 |
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 Central
With only five surgical technologists employed in the area, the local job market reveals both challenges and opportunities, particularly when considering the cost of living index in Central, which stands at 90.3. This index indicates that everyday expenses are lower than the national average, potentially enhancing take-home purchasing power for surgical technologists. Among local employers, operating rooms in hospitals generally offer the highest pay, alongside specialized facilities like orthopedic and cardiovascular centers. The disparity in earnings is often driven by several factors, including specialization in high-demand areas such as robotic-assisted surgery, which commands a premium. For those looking to maximize their salary in this region, obtaining certifications in robotic surgery or pursuing roles as surgical first assistants can provide significant financial incentives, reflecting the value of increased expertise and responsibilities in the field.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Central, LA in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Central?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Central?
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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 $55,453 for surgical technologistsin the Central 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 Central 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