Surgical Technologist Salary in Norfolk, NE: $58,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Norfolk, NE earns a median $58,067/year (≈ $27.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $63,461 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, surgical technologists can expect a 2026 median annual salary of $58,067, reflecting local estimates adjusted for the regional cost of living. The salary range for this occupation extends from $45,426 at the 10th percentile to $82,294 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those who specialize in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. While this figure ranks lower than the national median of $68,141, it highlights a competitive market in Norfolk, especially for those who pursue specialized certifications that can enhance their financial prospects in the surgical technology field.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,426 | $21.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,512 | $24.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,067 | $27.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,974 | $33.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,294 | $39.57 |
Median Salary Position
14.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, NE, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,868 (2026 est.). At $58,067, the local median is 14.78% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $58,067/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $62,371 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -14.78% less |
Surgical Technologists in Norfolk, NE earn a median of $58,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $62,371.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $58,067 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,461 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,159
2025 BLS Actual
$55,092
2026 Current Est.
$58,067
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,355 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,687 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,203 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $41,159 (2019) to $55,092 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,203 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,044 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $45,426 – $51,512 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,512 – $58,067 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,067 – $69,974 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,974 – $82,294 |
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 Norfolk
The local job market for surgical technologists appears stable, with six professionals currently employed in Norfolk. However, the region's cost of living index of 91.5 suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, they still afford a reasonable standard of living. Employers in Norfolk, such as hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, often provide the highest pay grades. The variation in compensation can largely be attributed to factors like the type of specialty—cardiovascular and neurosurgery positions command higher wages compared to general surgical roles—as well as additional premiums for certifications, on-call coverage, and responsibilities that involve advanced technologies like robotic surgery. To maximize pay in Norfolk, surgical technologists should focus on obtaining specialty certifications, gaining experience in high-demand fields, and considering options in travel positions, which can also offer attractive compensation packages.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Norfolk?
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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 $55,092 for surgical technologistsin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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