Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $32.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Tucson, AZ runs $32.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,790 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $32.68, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly wage offers a competitive earning potential for those working in various medical settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates into a combined income that might support their financial needs while allowing for a flexible work-life balance. The hourly pay range for surgical technologists in Tucson extends from $24.07 for entry-level positions to $40.98 for those at the top of their profession, highlighting differences based on experience, specialization, and employment type. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.07 | $192.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.07 | $240.56 |
| Median (P50) | $32.68 | $261.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.98 | $327.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.98 | $327.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $32.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.68/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $67,984 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,221. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,307.38 | $5,665 | $67,984 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $784.43 | $3,399 | $40,790 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.95 | $2,266 | $27,194 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Tucson) | $32.68 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $67,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% above the Arizona state average of $67,121.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.68/hr = $40,790/year (purchasing power: $42,097).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,984/year (purchasing power: $70,162).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Tucson grew 31.8% from $23.53/hr (2019) to $31.01/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.45/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
For surgical technologists seeking part-time positions in Tucson, working just 24 hours a week could provide an annual income that considerably supplements other earnings. This makes part-time work appealing for individuals who want to balance career demands with personal commitments. On the other hand, per diem surgical technologists in Tucson can expect to bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery potentially earning even higher rates—up to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can also be lucrative, typically ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, especially for roles in high-demand specialties. It's crucial to recognize that the hourly rates may vary significantly across different employers in Tucson, where hospitals, specialty centers, and military units often provide varying compensation structures. Additionally, some surgical technologists might choose positions with lower hourly wages for the accompanying benefits, such as health insurance, rather than seeking higher pay without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can aid professionals in negotiating their hourly pay effectively, ensuring they make informed decisions about their career paths in Tucson’s healthcare market.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tucson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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