Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $23.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $23.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,846 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vestavia Hills, AL, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $23.92, which is significantly lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly compensation reflects the area’s cost of living index of 87.9, indicating that surgical technologists face a unique economic environment. For those working part-time, such as in main operating rooms or specialty surgical suites, this translates to a paycheck that accommodates flexible scheduling—working just three days a week could yield a reasonable income while allowing for a work-life balance. Entry-level technicians can start at around $17.48 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized roles can achieve up to $34.93 per hour, creating a broad spectrum of earning potential based on expertise and type of facility, be it a hospital, an ambulatory surgical center, or a trauma OR suite.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $17.48 | $139.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.32 | $162.57 |
| Median (P50) | $23.92 | $191.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.25 | $233.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.93 | $279.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $23.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.92/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $49,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,698. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $956.61 | $4,145 | $49,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.97 | $2,487 | $29,846 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.64 | $1,658 | $19,897 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Vestavia Hills) | $23.92 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $49,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.00% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $51,816.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.92/hr = $29,846/year (purchasing power: $33,955).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,744/year (purchasing power: $56,591).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Vestavia Hills grew 33.9% from $16.95/hr (2019) to $22.69/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.21/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Part-time surgical technologists working in Vestavia Hills typically find that working 24 hours a week can result in a modest annual income. However, those who choose to engage in per-diem opportunities often see a more lucrative financial return, as per diem surgical technologists can bill between $35 and $55 per hour. Notably, specialists in fields such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery may command rates reaching $50 to $75 per hour, while travel surgical technologist contracts result in earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Variability exists, with hospitals often offering lower rates that include benefits, while specialty centers may pay higher hourly wages without added health insurance. For surgical technologists aiming to negotiate their pay, understanding the local market dynamics and specific employer offerings is key, allowing them to maximize their potential earnings in Vestavia Hills.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Vestavia Hills?
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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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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