Surgical Technologist Salary in Ponca City, OK: $56,280 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Ponca City, OK earns a median $56,280/year (≈ $27.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Ponca City's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.9), that paycheck buys what $63,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Oklahoma state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ponca City, Oklahoma, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $56,280, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median of $68,141 in 2026. The salary range for this profession spans from $44,043 at the 10th percentile to $79,508 at the 90th percentile, signifying differences based on the type of facilities employing these professionals. Surgical technologists in this city may work in various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. The salary estimates provided are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price disparities, showcasing Ponca City's unique healthcare landscape where competitive compensation may depend on the institution’s specialty focus and service offerings.
About the Ponca City Market
Salary estimated from Oklahoma average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,043 | $21.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,760 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,280 | $27.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,665 | $32.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,508 | $38.23 |
Median Salary Position
17.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ponca City
In Ponca City, OK, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,465 (2026 est.). At $56,280, the local median is 17.41% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ponca City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ponca City Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Ponca City median: $56,280/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ponca City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Average | $60,582 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -17.41% less |
Surgical Technologists in Ponca City, OK earn a median of $56,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.41% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.10% below the Oklahoma state average of $60,582.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ponca City has a cost of living 11.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ponca City, OK has a cost-of-living index of 88.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $56,280 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,307 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.49% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,893
2025 BLS Actual
$53,397
2026 Current Est.
$56,280
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ponca City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,057 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,083 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,297 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,397 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,280 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,320 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ponca City metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $39,893 (2019) to $53,397 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,320 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,427 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ponca City 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) | $44,043 – $49,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,760 – $56,280 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,280 – $67,665 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,665 – $79,508 |
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 Ponca City
Examining the local job market in Ponca City reveals that there are currently just four surgical technologists employed in the area, underscoring a limited but defined niche within the healthcare landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 88.9 indicating lower living expenses relative to the national average, the purchasing power for surgical technologists is enhanced, albeit without substantial salary growth. Among various employers, hospitals typically offer the highest pay, especially for roles requiring specialized skills such as robotic surgery certification or trauma center experience. The spread between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to specific specialties where cardiovascular and neurosurgical technicians command premium rates, particularly when considering factors like call coverage and surgical first assistant roles. To maximize earnings potential in Ponca City, aspiring surgical technologists should seek CAAHEP accreditation, pursue certifications in fields such as robotic surgery, and consider opportunities with travel surgical tech agencies to diversify and enhance their income.
More salary data for Ponca City, OK:
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 $53,397 for surgical technologistsin the Ponca City 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 Ponca City 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