Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Alabaster, AL: $24.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Alabaster, AL runs $24.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Alabaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,122 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Alabaster, Alabama, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $24.14 in 2026, reflecting a significant gap when compared to the national average of $32.76 per hour. This disparity can impact part-time workers and per-diem surgical technologists, who often find themselves in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For those working part-time, like a three-day workweek, this median rate allows for reasonable earnings, even though they fall below national counterparts. As for the hourly range, entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $18.62, while top earners at the 90th percentile may make as much as $35.68 per hour.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.62 | $148.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.32 | $170.58 |
| Median (P50) | $24.14 | $193.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.88 | $231.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.68 | $285.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alabaster
Based on $24.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.14/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alabaster, AL can expect to earn approximately $50,204 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,964. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alabaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alabaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $965.46 | $4,184 | $50,204 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $579.28 | $2,510 | $30,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $386.19 | $1,673 | $20,082 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Alabaster) | $24.14 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $50,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.32% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $51,812.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.14/hr = $30,122/year (purchasing power: $34,269).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,204/year (purchasing power: $57,115).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Alabaster grew 33.9% from $17.11/hr (2019) to $22.90/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.44/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Alabaster
When assessing the overall compensation for surgical technologists in Alabaster, one must consider various employment scenarios. For those working part-time at 24 hours a week, annual earnings can considerably differ from full-time equivalents, typically undercutting the financial benefits of full-time work. Per diem surgical technologists often command higher rates, ranging between $35 and $55 per hour, escalating to $50 to $75 for specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery. Travel positions can bring in lucrative contracts worth $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Different employer types also affect pay; hospitals might offer stability alongside health benefits, while ambulatory or specialty centers could provide higher hourly rates with fewer to no benefits. Those in the field should strategically negotiate their hourly rates, especially when transitioning into positions with higher specialty demands or considering agency work, balancing pay against available health insurance benefits.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Alabaster in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Alabaster?
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How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Alabaster?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Alabaster?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Alabaster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster 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