Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $39.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Washington, DC runs $39.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,003 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,801 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, surgical technologists earn a notable median hourly pay of $39.90, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This robust hourly rate reflects the high demand for professionals skilled in various surgical environments, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For surgical technologists working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, the earning potential remains substantial, and per-diem workers can benefit from flexible schedules while capitalizing on the same competitive pay. With an hourly range that spans from $23.43 for entry-level positions to $51.90 for top earners, surgical technologists in Washington are well-compensated for their critical roles across multiple clinical settings. This data is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.43 | $187.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.42 | $259.37 |
| Median (P50) | $39.90 | $319.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.04 | $376.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.90 | $415.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $39.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.90/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $83,001 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,885. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,596.18 | $6,917 | $83,001 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $957.71 | $4,150 | $49,801 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.47 | $2,767 | $33,200 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Washington) | $39.90 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $83,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.81% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% above the District of Columbia state average of $79,733.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.90/hr = $49,801/year (purchasing power: $45,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,001/year (purchasing power: $76,229).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Washington grew 31.7% from $28.74/hr (2019) to $37.86/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.06/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 Washington 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 Washington
Looking at the financial implications for part-time surgical technologists in Washington, a typical three-day work schedule (approximately 24 hours a week) could yield an annual income that is markedly lower than that of full-time counterparts, yet still allows for a solid living. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Washington generally ranges from $35 to $55 per hour; however, those specializing in high-demand fields, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can command $50 to $75 per hour, with travel surgical tech contracts often offering enticing weekly rates between $1,800 and $2,800. Employers vary significantly in how they compensate surgical techs; for instance, hospital operating rooms may offer different rates compared to specialty surgery facilities or military units. While some professionals might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others may prefer higher rates without coverage — a decision frequently made based on individual circumstances. For those in the surgical technologist field, negotiating pay effectively can make a significant difference, especially in a dynamic city like Washington, DC.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
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 Washington. 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