Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Lee's Summit, MO: $98,975 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Lee's Summit, MO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,975/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Lee's Summit's price premium (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,463 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior surgical technologists in Lee's Summit, Missouri, can anticipate lucrative compensation, with top earners (P90) projected to earn $98,975 in 2026, greatly surpassing the median annual salary of $63,854 for the region. Notably, this premium reflects an expansive gap that rewards experienced professionals who demonstrate exceptional skills in high-demand surgical specialties or who attain advanced certifications. Achieving top-tier pay often requires a combination of specialized training—such as certification in robotic surgery or expertise in fields like neurosurgery, where the need for precision and advanced techniques is paramount. As experienced surgical technologists cultivate their careers, they may find that their continuous education and hands-on experience positions them effectively for these higher earnings in Lee's Summit, a region where skilled professionals are vital to surgical success.
About the Lee's Summit Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lee's Summit
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Lee's Summit earn between $80,843 and $98,975 per year (2026 est.). This $53,620 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lee's Summit median of $63,854 sits 6.29% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Lee's Summit | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,854 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,843 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,975 | $102,175 |
In Lee's Summit, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Lee's Summit
Advanced Certifications in Missouri
MO surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $63,854 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lee's Summit employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Lee's Summit command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,843–$98,975 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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 Missouri 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 Lee's Summit
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLee's Summit ranks #4 of 33 Missouri cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $98,975).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Lee's Summit ($98,975) is 17.43% above the Missouri average P90 ($84,281).
2019 BLS Actual
$69,164
2025 BLS Actual
$93,904
2026 Current Est.
$98,975
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lee's Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,546 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,975 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,319 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Lee's Summit saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $69,164 in 2019 to $93,904 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 $104,319 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit
In Lee's Summit, a variety of surgical specialties can significantly influence senior surgical technologist pay. Fields like cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery often command higher wages due to their complexity and the advanced skill sets required. Different employer types also create a diverse pay spectrum; for instance, surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms or military surgical units may receive varied compensation compared to those working in specialized surgical centers or as travel surgical techs. Advancing into roles such as lead surgical tech or surgical first assistant (after obtaining the CSFA credential) can pave paths to even greater financial rewards. Additionally, earning further credentials, including CST certification through the NBSTSA or demonstrating proficiency in areas like robotic surgery, enhances marketability and salary potential. Beyond base salaries, factors such as on-call duty compensation, trauma center designations, and specialty qualifications also contribute significantly to the overall earning potential for seasoned professionals in this field in MO.
More salary data for Lee's Summit, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Lee's Summit in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Lee's Summit?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Lee's Summit?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Lee's Summit?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Lee's Summit?
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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 $93,904 for surgical technologists in the Lee's Summit 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 Lee's Summit 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