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Surgical Technologists Salary in Missouri: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Surgical Technologists salary really buy you in Missouri?

Missouri is 8.9% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$61,120
Median annual (2025)
+9.8%
Real Purchasing Power
$67,091
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.1)

Missouri Cost of Living Index

Missouri's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.1, meaning prices are 8.9% lower the national average. A Surgical Technologists earning $61,120 in Missouri has the equivalent purchasing power of $67,091 in an average-cost US state.

MO: 91.1
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Missouri's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $44,930 $49,319 +$4,389
25th Percentile (P25) $50,690 $55,642 +$4,952
Median (P50) $61,120 $67,091 +$5,971
75th Percentile (P75) $68,410 $75,093 +$6,683
90th Percentile (P90) $78,410 $86,070 +$7,660
Key Insight

A Surgical Technologists in Missouri earns $61,120 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 10% further — like earning $67,091 in an average-cost state. This makes Missouri one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Missouri Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.1

Missouri's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.1 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.9% less than the national average. For a Surgical Technologists, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+9.8%

After applying Missouri's RPP, the $61,120 median salary translates to $67,091 in real terms — a 9.8% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Surgical Technologists.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#29 / 51

Missouri's rank of #29 of 51 states means real purchasing power for Surgical Technologists trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Surgical Technologists (After Cost of Living)

Where does Surgical Technologists salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$82,098
RPP 97.7
$80,303
RPP 92.3
3. Idaho
$79,030
RPP 91.8
4. Alaska
$78,803
RPP 102.0
5. Nevada
$78,298
RPP 96.4
6. Oregon
$76,350
RPP 106.6
$75,084
RPP 106.4
8. Hawaii
$74,584
RPP 110.8
$74,037
RPP 102.3
10. New York
$73,931
RPP 107.6

Missouri ranks #29 out of 51 states for Surgical Technologists after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Surgical Technologists take-home pay in Missouri after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Surgical Technologists in Missouri after cost of living?

A Surgical Technologists in Missouri earns a median salary of $61,120 per year. After adjusting for Missouri's cost of living (RPP=91.1), the real purchasing power is $67,091 — a +9.8% difference.

Is Missouri expensive to live in?

Missouri's cost of living is 8.9% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Missouri is 91.1 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Surgical Technologists in Missouri: $61,120 x (100 / 91.1) = $67,091. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Surgical Technologists in Missouri financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Surgical Technologists in Missouri enjoys 9.8% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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