Surgical Technologist Salary in Mitchell, SD: $60,194 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Mitchell, SD earns a median $60,194/year (≈ $28.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Mitchell's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $64,864 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Mitchell, South Dakota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $60,194, which reflects a notable local pay level when compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for these professionals spans from $44,475 at the 10th percentile to $84,196 at the 90th percentile, signaling diverse compensation opportunities based on experience and specialization. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, which consider local economic conditions specific to Mitchell. As the demand for advanced surgical procedures like robotic surgeries grows, this trend is influencing compensation structures and enhancing the appeal of the surgical technologist role in the local job market.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,475 | $21.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,308 | $24.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,194 | $28.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,848 | $34.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,196 | $40.47 |
Median Salary Position
11.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mitchell
In Mitchell, SD, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,721 (2026 est.). At $60,194, the local median is 11.66% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mitchell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mitchell Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Mitchell median: $60,194/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mitchell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $63,229 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.66% less |
Surgical Technologists in Mitchell, SD earn a median of $60,194 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $63,229.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mitchell has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mitchell, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,194 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,864 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,667
2025 BLS Actual
$57,110
2026 Current Est.
$60,194
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,667 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,541 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,194 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,444 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mitchell metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,667 (2019) to $57,110 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,444 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,777 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mitchell 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) | $44,475 – $51,308 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,308 – $60,194 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,194 – $71,848 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,848 – $84,196 |
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 Mitchell
With only six surgical technologists currently employed in Mitchell, the local job market displays a competitive yet niche environment. The cost of living index in Mitchell stands at 92.8, providing a slight advantage for residents in terms of disposable income and purchasing power when compared to the national average. Key employers in the area that offer higher salaries include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focusing on advanced fields like orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery. Factors such as specialty certifications, including robotic surgery qualifications, significantly drive compensation disparities. To maximize pay in this region, upcoming surgical technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles in high-demand specialties while leveraging opportunities for call coverage and exploration of travel surgical tech positions.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
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 $57,110 for surgical technologistsin the Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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