Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Davenport, IA: $79,777 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Davenport, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,777/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Davenport's price premium (BEA RPP 89.1, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,558 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Davenport, experienced surgical technologists can aspire to impressive compensation, characterized by a notable earning potential. With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $63,788, the top earners in this field, situated at the 90th percentile, can expect to make as much as $79,777. This creates a substantial gap between the median and top-tier salaries that reflects the experience premium offered by the local health care market. Reaching the upper echelons of this pay scale requires not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also advanced credentials, specialization in high-demand surgical fields, and possibly certification in robotic-assisted surgeries. The contrast between Davenport’s top salaries and the national average can act as a motivating factor for professionals aiming to elevate their careers and earnings in this thriving market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davenport
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Davenport earn between $65,612 and $79,777 per year (2026 est.). This $25,949 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davenport median of $63,788 sits 6.39% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Davenport | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,788 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,612 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,777 | $102,175 |
In Davenport, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 25.07% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Davenport
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $63,788 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davenport employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Davenport command premium compensation, often reaching the $65,612–$79,777 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davenport 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 Davenport 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 Iowa 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 Davenport
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavenport ranks #22 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $79,777).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Davenport ($79,777) is 3.52% below the Iowa average P90 ($82,692).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,170
2025 BLS Actual
$75,690
2026 Current Est.
$79,777
2019–2027 Growth
+37.5%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,777 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,085 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Davenport saw their compensation grow 23.7% from $61,170 in 2019 to $75,690 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 $84,085 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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 Davenport
For those seeking to enhance their senior surgical technologist pay in IA, specialization is a significant driver of compensation. Specialties such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery (especially with da Vinci certification) command higher wages, appealing to both private and public healthcare employers. The type of facility also influences salary prospects: surgical technologists employed in hospital operating rooms generally enjoy more competitive pay than their counterparts in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical clinics. The path to advancement in this profession offers multiple opportunities, including positions as lead surgical technologists, OR supervisors, or even pursuing a surgical first assistant role (with CSFA credentialing). Further credentials, such as the CST certification from the NBSTSA, alongside having graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program, can bolster one’s earning potential significantly. In addition to salary, non-monetary benefits often play a crucial role at this level, with factors like call coverage, travel nurse rates, and niche specialties greatly impacting overall compensation packages for seasoned professionals in Davenport.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Davenport in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Davenport?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Davenport?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Davenport?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Davenport?
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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 $75,690 for surgical technologists in the Davenport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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