Surgical Technologist Salary in Baytown, TX: $65,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Baytown, TX earns a median $65,794/year (≈ $31.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Baytown's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $68,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Baytown, Texas, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists in 2026 reaches $65,794, which is slightly below the national median of $68,141. Salaries in the local market vary significantly, ranging from $44,888 at the lower end (P10) to $96,892 at the higher end (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflect not only the demand for surgical technologists in Baytown but also highlight the premium for specialists in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, who typically command higher wages. Understanding these figures is essential for those entering or currently working in the field, as they illustrate potential earnings that further incentivize pursuing specialized training or certification.
About the Baytown Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,888 | $21.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,766 | $25.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,794 | $31.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,394 | $38.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,892 | $46.59 |
Median Salary Position
3.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baytown
In Baytown, TX, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,004 (2026 est.). At $65,794, the local median is 3.44% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baytown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baytown Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Baytown median: $65,794/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baytown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,124 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.44% less |
Surgical Technologists in Baytown, TX earn a median of $65,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.50% below the Texas state average of $66,124.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baytown has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baytown, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,794 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,535 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,636
2025 BLS Actual
$62,423
2026 Current Est.
$65,794
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Baytown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,636 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,858 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,522 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,423 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,347 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baytown metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,636 (2019) to $62,423 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,347 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,711 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baytown 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) | $44,888 – $53,766 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,766 – $65,794 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,794 – $80,394 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,394 – $96,892 |
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 Baytown
The job market for surgical technologists in Baytown employs around 16 individuals, reflecting a niche but dedicated workforce. Given the cost of living index at 96, salaries in this region provide a decent purchasing power, making the surgical technologist pay in Baytown TX competitive for those considering living and working here. Hospitals and specialized surgical centers, particularly those focusing on orthopedic, cardiothoracic, and ambulatory procedures, tend to offer the highest pay, while the differentiation in compensation can be attributed to various factors. For instance, surgical technologists with certifications in robotic surgery may see a stipend, while those fulfilling roles as surgical first assistants can also draw higher salaries. To maximize pay, aspiring surgical technologists should focus on gaining certifications such as CST and consider positions in trauma centers or agencies that provide travel assignments, as these often pay more due to increased demand and specialized skillsets.
More salary data for Baytown, TX:
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 $62,423 for surgical technologistsin the Baytown 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 Baytown 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