Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in North Little Rock, AR runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,252 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,949 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in North Little Rock, Arkansas, earn a median hourly rate of $30.41, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly wage is relevant for those working in various critical healthcare settings, such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. The hourly pay scale for surgical technologists in this region ranges from $22.09 for entry-level positions to $46.62 for experienced professionals in high-demand specialties. Those opting for part-time work, often limited to three days a week, find that their earnings still allow for a satisfactory lifestyle, particularly given the lower cost of living index of North Little Rock compared to national averages. Overall, the surgical technologist hourly pay in North Little Rock reflects the local demand for qualified professionals in a field where proper training and credentials, such as the CST certification, are highly valued.
About the North Little Rock 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) | $22.09 | $176.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.95 | $207.60 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.26 | $306.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.62 | $372.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $63,248 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,489. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.32 | $5,271 | $63,248 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.79 | $3,162 | $37,949 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.53 | $2,108 | $25,299 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (North Little Rock) | $30.41 |
| 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 North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $63,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.17% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.80% above the Arkansas state average of $59,224.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,949/year (purchasing power: $43,670).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,248/year (purchasing power: $72,783).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in North Little Rock grew 33.9% from $21.55/hr (2019) to $28.85/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.05/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 North Little Rock 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 North Little Rock
Part-time surgical technologists in North Little Rock can potentially take home around $37,619 annually when working a typical 24-hour week, a figure that allows them to balance work and personal life, but it is less than that of a full-time equivalent. Per diem surgical technologist roles can vary significantly; many professionals bill between $35 to $55 per hour for standard placements, while specialties like cardiovascular and neuro surgery can command rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts present an even more lucrative opportunity, with weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for those in cardiac surgery roles. Various employment settings offer differing hourly rates, with hospitals generally leading in pay, while military and VA surgical units may have unique pay structures. Technologists may choose lower hourly wages at hospitals for benefits like insurance or opt for higher pay opportunities in the per diem market. Negotiating perks, work schedules, and rates in NLR requires staying informed on local industry trends and understanding personal priorities.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
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 North Little Rock. 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 North Little Rock 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