Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $31.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $31.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Apache Junction, Arizona, will see a median hourly pay of $31.11. This rate is slightly below the national median of $32.76, indicating a competitive, yet challenging, local market. For those considering part-time work, specifically in settings like hospital operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers, this rate means a surgical technologist working three days a week could expect a stable income while maintaining a healthier work-life balance. The hourly range for this profession in Apache Junction is forecasted to vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $23.75 and experienced professionals potentially reaching up to $43.77 per hour. These wages represent expected compensation for commonly practiced roles in environments such as specialty surgical centers and trauma OR suites, and they reflect the growing demand in this field.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.75 | $189.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.29 | $218.30 |
| Median (P50) | $31.11 | $248.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.04 | $296.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.77 | $350.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $31.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.11/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $64,717 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,337. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.56 | $5,393 | $64,717 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.74 | $3,236 | $38,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.83 | $2,157 | $25,887 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Apache Junction) | $31.11 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $64,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.03% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $67,129.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.11/hr = $38,830/year (purchasing power: $39,422).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,717/year (purchasing power: $65,703).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Apache Junction grew 33.9% from $22.05/hr (2019) to $29.52/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.79/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
When evaluating the earning potential of surgical technologists, part-time roles designed for efficiency can result in substantial income differences. A surgical technologist working 24 hours a week will take home significantly less than their full-time peers; however, the appeal of flexibility often outweighs this concern for many. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Apache Junction typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, and those specializing in cardiovascular and neuro surgical fields could see rates rise between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts add another layer, often yielding $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially for high-demand specialties. Hourly wages can differ depending on employer type—hospital settings may offer lower pay compared to private surgical centers or travel agencies. Some professionals might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without the safety net of consistent employment. Negotiating terms effectively can significantly influence a technician’s overall employment experience and financial stability in Apache Junction.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Apache Junction in 2026?
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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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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