Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Texarkana, AR: $83,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Texarkana, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,397/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Texarkana's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,969 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Texarkana, AR, experienced surgical technologists can anticipate a median annual salary of $56,958 in 2026, with top earners reaching an impressive $83,397. This range indicates a significant experience premium, showcasing the difference between the median salaries and those in the upper percentiles. Earning potential in Texarkana, particularly at the 90th percentile, is competitive when viewed against national standards, where the top surgical technologist salary stands at $68,141. To qualify for such upper-tier pay, professionals typically need over seven years of experience, surgical specialties, advanced certifications, and often play critical roles in complex surgical procedures—skills and qualifications that are highly valued in this market.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Texarkana earn between $69,784 and $83,397 per year (2026 est.). This $39,893 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Texarkana median of $56,958 sits 16.41% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Texarkana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $56,958 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,784 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,397 | $102,175 |
In Texarkana, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 46.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Texarkana
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $56,958 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Texarkana employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Texarkana command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,784–$83,397 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Texarkana metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Texarkana with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Texarkana
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTexarkana ranks #14 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $83,397).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Texarkana ($83,397) is 0.05% above the Arkansas average P90 ($83,356).
2019 BLS Actual
$58,278
2025 BLS Actual
$79,124
2026 Current Est.
$83,397
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,278 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,868 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,215 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,900 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Texarkana saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $58,278 in 2019 to $79,124 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $87,900 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Texarkana
Specialization is key to increasing earnings as an experienced surgical technologist in Texarkana. Areas such as cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and robotic surgery (particularly with da Vinci certification) often command higher compensation rates. Moreover, the type of employer can significantly influence pay scales at this senior level—hospital operating rooms generally offer more competitive salaries compared to ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical facilities. Advance your career by pursuing leadership positions such as lead surgical technologist or surgical first assistant (with CSFA certification), which can also lead to enhanced pay. It is key to possess credentials from a CAAHEP-accredited program, and holding a CST certification through NBSTSA strengthens your profile further. Non-salary compensation, such as call coverage and premiums for specialized roles, can supplement income in this growing field.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Texarkana in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Texarkana?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Texarkana?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Texarkana?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Texarkana?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $79,124 for surgical technologists in the Texarkana metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana 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