Surgical Technologist Salary in Gallup, NM: $59,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Gallup, NM earns a median $59,806/year (≈ $28.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $63,354 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Gallup, New Mexico, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,806. This figure reflects a noteworthy economic trend, as specialized skills such as robotic surgery certification increasingly influence compensation. Salaries for this role range from approximately $46,876 at the 10th percentile to $84,571 at the 90th percentile, revealing the potential for significant earnings based on experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. With the local medical landscape evolving, those entering the surgical technology field in Gallup can anticipate a competitive job market where advanced certifications may yield higher earnings.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,876 | $22.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,931 | $25.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,806 | $28.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,222 | $35.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,571 | $40.66 |
Median Salary Position
12.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,695 (2026 est.). At $59,806, the local median is 12.23% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallup Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Gallup median: $59,806/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $64,308 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -12.23% less |
Surgical Technologists in Gallup, NM earn a median of $59,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.23% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $64,308.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $59,806 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,354 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,392
2025 BLS Actual
$56,742
2026 Current Est.
$59,806
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,392 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,629 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,594 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,115 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,196 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,036 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,392 (2019) to $56,742 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,036 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,644 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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) | $46,876 – $52,931 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,931 – $59,806 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,806 – $73,222 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,222 – $84,571 |
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 Gallup
The job market for surgical technologists in Gallup currently encompasses only four professionals, indicating limited employment opportunities in this specialized field. The cost-of-living index stands at 94.4, suggesting that everyday expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance the take-home value of local salaries. Among the various employers in the area, hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, such as those focused on orthopedics or cardiothoracic surgery, typically offer the most competitive pay. The disparity in wages can be attributed to factors like specialty designation, call coverage requirements, and unique skills such as robotic surgery certification. For job seekers in Gallup, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying specialties can be effective strategies to maximize earnings in a concentrated market.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
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 $56,742 for surgical technologistsin the Gallup 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 Gallup 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