Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Carrollton, TX: $103,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Carrollton, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $103,752/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Carrollton's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $108,075 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
Earning a competitive income as a senior surgical technologist in Carrollton, TX, can be both rewarding and attainable. In 2026, the median annual salary sits at $66,936, but for those with extensive experience, the compensation can reach as high as $103,752, positioning these top earners above the national average for similar roles. The gap between the median and top-tier earnings is reflective of the experience premium associated with this occupation, indicating that professionals who invest time in honing their skills and gaining specialized training can significantly enhance their earning potential. To join the ranks of high earners, surgical technologists may focus on advanced certifications, extensive on-the-job training in specialized surgical settings, and continuous professional development in fields such as robotic surgery or trauma care.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrollton
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Carrollton earn between $82,376 and $103,752 per year (2026 est.). This $59,274 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Carrollton median of $66,936 sits 1.77% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Carrollton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,936 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,376 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $103,752 | $102,175 |
In Carrollton, 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 Carrollton
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $66,936 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Carrollton employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Carrollton command premium compensation, often reaching the $82,376–$103,752 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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 Texas 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 Carrollton
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCarrollton ranks #13 of 109 Texas cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $103,752).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Carrollton ($103,752) is 7.56% above the Texas average P90 ($96,463).
2019 BLS Actual
$72,502
2025 BLS Actual
$98,436
2026 Current Est.
$103,752
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,502 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,772 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,433 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,354 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Carrollton saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $72,502 in 2019 to $98,436 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 $109,354 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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 Carrollton
Compensation in Carrollton’s surgical technology field varies, particularly among specializations. Skilled professionals in cardiovascular and neurosurgery tend to command the highest salaries, with additional premiums for those trained in robotic surgery (like da Vinci certification) and trauma settings. The type of employer also influences pay; for instance, those working in hospital operating rooms or high-demand specialty surgical centers often earn more than counterparts in ambulatory surgery locations. Career advancement is possible for experienced surgical technologists; pursuing roles such as lead surgical tech, surgical first assistant, or even supervisory positions can unlock higher salaries. Holding advanced credentials, such as the CST or CSFA, not only aligns with federal hiring standards but also enhances earning potential in Texas. Factors like call coverage, robotic surgery certification stipends, and specialty-focused roles further contribute to the overall compensation package, making this profession not only lucrative but also diverse in opportunities across Carrollton and beyond.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Carrollton in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Carrollton?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Carrollton?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Carrollton?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Carrollton?
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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 $98,436 for surgical technologists in the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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