Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $77,606 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $77,606/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $84,629 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the earning potential for seasoned surgical technologists is notably substantial, particularly for those who have honed their skills over 7+ years in the field. The projected median annual salary of $65,612 in 2026 illustrates a solid foundation, yet it’s the top earners—represented by the 90th percentile salary of $77,606—that set the benchmark for compensation in this profession. This significant gap highlights the experience premium associated with advanced positions. Achieving this top-tier pay often requires a combination of specialized training in high-demand surgical areas and certifications, especially in advanced techniques like robotic surgery, which have become increasingly common in operating rooms today.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $66,117 and $77,606 per year (2026 est.). This $23,177 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $65,612 sits 3.71% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,612 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,117 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $77,606 | $102,175 |
In Des Moines, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 18.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $65,612 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,117–$77,606 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #24 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $77,606).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Des Moines ($77,606) is 6.15% below the Iowa average P90 ($82,692).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,510
2025 BLS Actual
$73,630
2026 Current Est.
$77,606
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,690 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,606 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,797 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $57,510 in 2019 to $73,630 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 $81,797 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Compensation for senior surgical technologists in Des Moines varies widely depending on specialization and workplace setting. Those focusing on high-stakes areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgical procedures can command premium pay, reflecting their specialized skills. Hospitals generally offer more competitive pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers, while specialty centers such as those focused on orthopedic or cardiothoracic surgeries may provide unique compensation packages. Career advancement pathways abound; roles like lead surgical tech or surgical first assistant (CSFA) are logical next steps for those pursuing higher responsibilities, contingent upon obtaining relevant certifications. An additional edge in pay can come from enhanced credentials, such as obtaining the CST certification from the NBSTSA, or further qualifications in robotic surgery. Non-salary compensation factors, including call coverage and premium rates for travel surgical tech roles, also play a significant part in shaping overall earnings for experienced professionals in the field.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $73,630 for surgical technologists in the Des Moines 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