Surgical Technologist Salary in St. Joseph, MO: $64,605 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in St. Joseph, MO earns a median $64,605/year (≈ $31.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in St. Joseph's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $72,104 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, the surgical technologist salary in St. Joseph, Missouri, stands at $64,605, representing a 5.19% decrease compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range in this region varies significantly, from $44,837 at the lower end (P10) to $93,652 at the higher end (P90), illustrating the potential for specialization to impact earnings greatly. With the local estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic conditions, the job market for surgical technologists reflects a modest growth expectation in the coming years. Those who enter high-demand specialties, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can anticipate higher compensation compared to their peers in general surgical roles.
About the St. Joseph Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,837 | $21.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,415 | $25.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,605 | $31.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,196 | $37.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,652 | $45.03 |
Median Salary Position
5.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in St. Joseph
In St. Joseph, MO, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,815 (2026 est.). At $64,605, the local median is 5.19% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in St. Joseph: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How St. Joseph Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
St. Joseph median: $64,605/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | St. Joseph Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $64,412 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.19% less |
Surgical Technologists in St. Joseph, MO earn a median of $64,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.19% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.30% above the Missouri state average of $64,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
St. Joseph has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
St. Joseph, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,605 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,104 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,793
2025 BLS Actual
$61,295
2026 Current Est.
$64,605
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in St. Joseph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,012 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,465 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,295 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,605 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the St. Joseph metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,793 (2019) to $61,295 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,301 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Joseph 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) | $44,837 – $53,415 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,415 – $64,605 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,605 – $78,196 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,196 – $93,652 |
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 St. Joseph
In St. Joseph, the local market currently employs 18 surgical technologists, highlighting a niche workforce that is relatively stable. With a cost of living index of 89.6, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for surgical technologists may stretch further than in high-cost areas. Notable employers offering competitive salaries include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic and cardiovascular procedures. The spread in pay often correlates with the complexity of surgical procedures involved and specialty certifications such as robotic surgery. To maximize earnings, individuals should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as the CSFA designation for first assistants, and seek positions in facilities known for surgical excellence to capitalize on higher demand and specialized surgical techniques.
More salary data for St. Joseph, MO:
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 $61,295 for surgical technologistsin the St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph 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