Iowa ranks 43rd of 51 states and D.C. for surgical technologists pay, trailing top-paying California ($81,120) by $27,200 — a 50% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $41,880 to $65,240 — a $23,360 spread, 51% tighter than the national $47,410 range.
Surgical Technologists are less concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.63 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.59× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $41,880 | $20.13 |
| 25th percentile | $48,700 | $23.42 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $53,920 | $25.92 |
| 75th percentile | $61,310 | $29.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,240 | $31.36 |
| Mean (average) | $54,950 | $26.42 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $53,920 | n/a |
| California | $81,120 | +50% |
| Connecticut | $80,590 | +49% |
| Oregon | $79,410 | +47% |
| Alaska | $79,040 | +47% |
| Massachusetts | $78,300 | +45% |
| Minnesota | $77,950 | +45% |
| Nevada | $76,740 | +42% |
| Hawaii | $76,200 | +41% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $53,810 | 2,160 |
| Carpenters | $54,080 | 6,650 |
| Paramedics | $53,470 | 1,110 |
| Machinists | $53,400 | 3,010 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $54,560 | 3,020 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $53,280 | 2,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Surgical Technologists salary in Iowa?
The mean surgical technologists salary in Iowa is $54,950 per year. The median (middle) salary is $53,920 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Surgical Technologists in Iowa?
Entry-level surgical technologistss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $41,880 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,700 per year.
What is the highest Surgical Technologists salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $65,240 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,310 per year.
How does the Iowa Surgical Technologists salary compare to the national average?
The median surgical technologists salary in Iowa is $53,920, which is -14% below national average of $62,830.