Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Melbourne, FL: $26.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Melbourne, FL runs $26.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,456 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Melbourne's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,674 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Melbourne, Florida, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $26.18, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $32.76. This rate reflects the compensation landscape for both full-time and part-time positions within hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty surgical units. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to start at approximately $18.61 per hour, while seasoned professionals in this field could potentially earn as much as $38.54 per hour. Such numbers highlight the varied earning potentials based on experience and setting. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, typically around three days a week, the hourly rates in Melbourne have significant implications for the overall financial picture, especially when factoring in shifts across different surgical environments.
About the Melbourne Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.61 | $148.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Median (P50) | $26.18 | $209.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.99 | $255.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.54 | $308.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Melbourne
Based on $26.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.18/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Melbourne, FL can expect to earn approximately $54,457 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,418. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Melbourne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Melbourne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,047.25 | $4,538 | $54,457 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.35 | $2,723 | $32,674 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.90 | $1,815 | $21,783 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Melbourne) | $26.18 |
| 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 Melbourne, FL earn a median of $54,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 16.30% below the Florida state average of $65,061.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.18/hr = $32,674/year (purchasing power: $32,415).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,457/year (purchasing power: $54,025).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Melbourne grew 33.9% from $18.56/hr (2019) to $24.84/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.60/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
Examining the financial dynamics further illustrates the earning potential for surgical technologists in Melbourne. A surgical technologist working part-time at 24 hours a week could realistically bring home about $33,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. When considering per-diem opportunities, these workers often face rates between $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro settings potentially commanding rates up to $75 per hour. The variance in pay often corresponds to the type of employer; for instance, those employed in hospital operating rooms might enjoy steadier hours but forgo higher per diem rates offered in travel contracts. This trade-off between higher hourly wages and the stability of benefits can greatly influence job satisfaction and career direction. To maximize earning potential, surgical technologists in Melbourne should consider negotiating rates with agencies, especially when they bring in-demand skills such as robotic surgery certification to the table.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Melbourne in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Melbourne?
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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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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