Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $27.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Hot Springs, AR runs $27.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,955 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,779 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hot Springs, Arkansas, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $27.87, which falls short of the national median of $32.76. This difference in hourly pay may influence the choices of those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, prevalent in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For example, part-time workers typically scheduling three days a week could expect to earn around $1,662.72 biweekly, based on a 24-hour work schedule, while the hourly pay range extends from $19.67 for entry-level positions to $40.02 for those at the top of their field. These hourly rates represent estimates derived from projected annual salaries, tailoring the financial landscape of surgical technologist hourly pay in Hot Springs for both aspiring and established professionals.
About the Hot Springs Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.67 | $157.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.25 | $186.01 |
| Median (P50) | $27.87 | $222.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.66 | $269.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.02 | $320.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $27.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.87/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $57,965 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,441. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,114.71 | $4,830 | $57,965 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $668.83 | $2,898 | $34,779 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $445.88 | $1,932 | $23,186 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Hot Springs) | $27.87 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $57,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.95% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $59,198.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.87/hr = $34,779/year (purchasing power: $40,022).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,965/year (purchasing power: $66,703).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Hot Springs grew 33.9% from $19.75/hr (2019) to $26.44/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.37/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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
In evaluating the financial reality of a surgical technologist's career in Hot Springs, part-time workers could earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For instance, while a full-time surgical technologist could earn around $57,955 annually, a part-time worker clocking in 24 hours a week could take home approximately $43,054 per year. The per diem options present a different avenue, with rates for surgical technologists typically ranging from $35 to $55 an hour, and those with specialties in cardiovascular or neurosurgery being able to command even higher rates, between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts amplify earnings potential, often reaching $1,800 to $2,800 a week, making these positions highly appealing despite their temporary nature. In Hot Springs, surgical technologist hourly rates can also vary based on employer types; for instance, hospital operating rooms might offer lower wages compared to specialized surgical centers where unique skills are in higher demand. Furthermore, individuals might opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be a significant consideration. Negotiation remains a valuable skill, particularly in a market where insights into employer expectations can lead to better compensation.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Hot Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Hot Springs?
Are surgical technologists in Hot Springs paid hourly or salary?
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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 Hot Springs. 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 Hot Springs 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