Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $87,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $87,196/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $96,456 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marshalltown, the earning potential for senior surgical technologists indicates significant opportunities for those with advanced experience and specialization. The projected top-tier salary in 2026, reaching as high as $87,196, represents a substantial gap from the median annual wage of $60,437. This income disparity highlights the value placed on extensive experience, particularly for those who advance beyond general surgical technology roles into specialized fields. Achieving this level of compensation often requires years of dedicated service, ongoing education, and certifications, particularly in high-demand specialties. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Marshalltown's surgical technologists who excel in competencies such as robotic surgery qualifications could further enhance their earning power.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $73,441 and $87,196 per year (2026 est.). This $42,008 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $60,437 sits 11.31% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,437 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,441 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $87,196 | $102,175 |
In Marshalltown, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 44.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $60,437 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,441–$87,196 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #12 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $87,196).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Marshalltown ($87,196) is 5.45% above the Iowa average P90 ($82,692).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,933
2025 BLS Actual
$82,729
2026 Current Est.
$87,196
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,933 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,043 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,961 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,905 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $60,933 in 2019 to $82,729 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 $91,905 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Compensation for senior surgical technologists in Marshalltown varies distinctly based on specialty and employer type. Those focusing on high-stakes fields like cardiovascular, neurosurgery, and pediatric surgery not only secure higher pay but also enjoy enhanced job stability and advancement opportunities. Furthermore, employment settings play a crucial role in determining salary; positions in hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers typically offer more competitive pay than ambulatory surgery centers or travel surgical tech agencies. Career progression paths such as transitioning to a lead surgical technologist, obtaining certification as a Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), or moving into roles like OR supervisor provide additional avenues for enhanced earnings. To capitalize on these opportunities, investing in advanced certifications, like the CST from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, can significantly impact one’s financial outlook in this region.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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 $82,729 for surgical technologists in the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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