Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $39.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Denver, CO runs $39.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,709 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, CO, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $39.03, significantly above the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate offers a promising landscape for both full-time and part-time professionals within various surgical settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day workweek, this rate provides a robust income potential. The hourly range for surgical technologists in this region spans from $27.29 for entry-level positions to an impressive $46.91 for those at the top of their field. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS projections for 2026, reflects the growing demand for skilled surgical technologists in Denver.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.29 | $218.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.78 | $262.24 |
| Median (P50) | $39.03 | $312.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.79 | $342.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.91 | $375.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $39.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.03/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $81,182 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,836. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,561.18 | $6,765 | $81,182 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.71 | $4,059 | $48,709 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.47 | $2,706 | $32,473 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Denver) | $39.03 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $81,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.13% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $81,098.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.03/hr = $48,709/year (purchasing power: $46,047).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,182/year (purchasing power: $76,744).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Denver grew 40.7% from $26.32/hr (2019) to $37.03/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.14/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 Denver 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 Denver
Looking at part-time earning scenarios, a surgical technologist working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to make about $81,179 annually, which translates to a competitive income without the commitment of full-time hours. The per diem landscape also presents lucrative opportunities; agency surgical techs can typically earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery pushing rates from $50 to $75 per hour. Notably, travel contracts can yield substantial weekly earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac surgery positions. Hourly pay may differ across employer types in Denver, with those in hospitals and specialty centers potentially earning more than in military or VA surgical units. However, some professionals may choose lower hourly wages for the stability of health benefits. For those negotiating their pay, it’s critical to highlight specialized skills, like robotic surgery certification, which can help bolster hourly rates and enhance job security within this evolving medical field.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Denver in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Denver?
Are surgical technologists in Denver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Denver?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Denver?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 Denver. 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, 7-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