Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $72,905 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Bismarck, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $72,905/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Bismarck's price premium (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,094 in average-cost America. The 12% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bismarck, the financial outlook for experienced surgical technologists reflects significant earning potential, particularly for those who advance to senior positions. The top surgical technologist salary in 2026 is projected to reach $72,905, placing it just below the national top earners’ bracket, which sits at $68,141. For local technologists with extensive experience (7+ years), there's a considerable gap between the estimated median salary of $65,021 and the peak earnings, showcasing the value of expertise in the field. Achieving such high compensation typically requires a combination of specialization, additional certifications, and a proven track record in the operating room, elevating one’s status within the medical community.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Bismarck earn between $68,310 and $72,905 per year (2026 est.). This $19,077 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bismarck median of $65,021 sits 4.58% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Bismarck | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,021 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,310 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $72,905 | $102,175 |
In Bismarck, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 12.13% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Bismarck
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $65,021 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bismarck employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Bismarck command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,310–$72,905 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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 North Dakota 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 Bismarck
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBismarck ranks #8 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $72,905).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Bismarck ($72,905) is 4.21% below the North Dakota average P90 ($76,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,170
2025 BLS Actual
$69,170
2026 Current Est.
$72,905
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,800 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,905 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,842 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Bismarck saw their compensation grow 9.5% from $63,170 in 2019 to $69,170 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 $76,842 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Compensation for senior surgical technologists varies across different work environments and roles, with notable premiums for those specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular surgery and robotic procedures. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities all offer varying levels of pay based on the complexity of services provided. For instance, surgical technologists who hold advanced credentials, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), may command higher wages or additional stipends for call coverage. The growth of robotic surgeries in facilities throughout Bismarck has amplified the demand for certified professionals, particularly those with da Vinci training. Additionally, opportunities for career advancement, such as moving into leadership roles like OR supervisor or surgical materials manager, further enhance earning potential. Non-salary benefits, including bonuses for working in trauma centers and travel surgical tech rates, also contribute to the overall compensation landscape in ND.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Bismarck in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Bismarck?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Bismarck?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Bismarck?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Bismarck?
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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 $69,170 for surgical technologists in the Bismarck 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