Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $32.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Surprise, AZ runs $32.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,973 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,185 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Surprise, Arizona, can expect a median hourly rate of $32.20 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay reflects the skills and specialized training required for various essential roles, including those found in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this hourly rate can yield a stable income, while per-diem surgical technologists often enjoy even higher pay rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, depending on demand and specialization. Entry-level surgical technologists might start at around $23.20 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $49.34 per hour, reflecting the broad range of opportunities available within this vital field.
About the Surprise 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) | $23.20 | $185.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.31 | $218.47 |
| Median (P50) | $32.20 | $257.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.30 | $322.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.34 | $394.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $32.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.20/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $66,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,640. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,287.99 | $5,581 | $66,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $772.79 | $3,349 | $40,185 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.20 | $2,233 | $26,790 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Surprise) | $32.20 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $66,973 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $67,107.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.20/hr = $40,185/year (purchasing power: $40,797).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,975/year (purchasing power: $67,995).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Surprise grew 33.9% from $22.82/hr (2019) to $30.55/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.94/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
The earning potential for a part-time surgical technologist working a 24-hour week translates to approximately $40,000 annually, which is significantly less than what full-time colleagues may earn. Per diem arrangements offer a more lucrative option, particularly for specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgical settings, where rates can soar to $50-$75 per hour. With travel contracts offering weekly compensation between $1,800 and $2,800, many surgical technologists are attracted to these flexible options. However, surgical technologists must navigate the different hourly rates available across various employer types in Surprise, with hospitals often providing benefits that command slightly lower pay than private specialty centers, where higher hourly wages might come without health coverage. Negotiation is vital in this context; understanding the value of certification, such as the CST credential from NBSTSA, can help professionals secure better pay. Ultimately, surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of stable hours and health insurance against the potential for higher hourly pay when considering their work options.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Surprise 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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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