Surgical Technologist in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Kansas employs 1,200 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $60,600 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $60,600 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,720
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $67,570
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $76,880
- Employed in Kansas
- 1,200
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $62,250 (980 employed)
- Joplin
- $56,750 (100 employed)
- Wichita
- $53,950 (300 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $60,600 median stretches to roughly $67,259 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +4.0%, about in line with the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Kansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Kansas does not license surgical technologists.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program (~1–2 years).
- Earn the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential — the hiring standard.
Official requirements: No Kansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Kansas
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Allen County Community College — Certificate
- Barton County Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Butler Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Cleveland University-Kansas City — Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Kansas
Real Kansas surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- College Park Surgery Center — Overland Park
- Cypress Surgery Center — Wichita
- Freeman Surgical Center of Pittsburg — Pittsburg
- Founders Surgery Center, LLC — Wichita
- Surgicare of Wichita, Inc — Wichita
- South Kansas City Surgicenter, LLC — Overland Park
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.
Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
First Steps
Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Kansas?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Kansas is $60,600 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Kansas?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Kansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Kansas does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Kansas?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Kansas metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $62,250, followed by Joplin ($56,750), Wichita ($53,950). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Allen County Community College, Barton County Community College, Butler Community College. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects surgical technologists employment to change +4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Kansas state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Kansas wages · Kansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.