Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Orlando, FL: $31.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Orlando, FL runs $31.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Orlando's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.4, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,041 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Orlando, Florida, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.28, slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This rate positions them well for various employment scenarios, particularly for part-time positions, which are common in settings like hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. For those working three days a week, this means a stable income while maintaining flexible hours that can be beneficial for balancing personal commitments. With a salary range from $20.25 at the lower end (P10) to $40.07 at the higher end (P90), the pay reflects the spectrum of experience and specialization across the field. The data derives from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), making it a reliable snapshot of what surgical technologists can expect in terms of hourly compensation.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.25 | $161.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.87 | $206.92 |
| Median (P50) | $31.28 | $250.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.69 | $285.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.07 | $320.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orlando
Based on $31.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.28/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orlando, FL can expect to earn approximately $65,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,539. With a cost-of-living index of 101.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orlando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orlando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.31 | $5,422 | $65,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.79 | $3,253 | $39,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.52 | $2,169 | $26,027 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Orlando) | $31.28 |
| 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 Orlando, FL earn a median of $65,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $68,141.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.28/hr = $39,041/year (purchasing power: $38,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,068/year (purchasing power: $64,158).
CoL index: 101.418 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Orlando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Orlando grew 33.3% from $22.27/hr (2019) to $29.68/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.97/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 Orlando 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 Orlando
For surgical technologists who opt for part-time work, their annual earnings can be significantly less than their full-time counterparts, depending on the number of hours worked. A part-time surgical technologist, clocking in 24 hours weekly, can expect to take home an annual income that may be less than what full-time workers accrue, although many value the work-life balance this arrangement affords. Per diem surgical technologists in Orlando enjoy potentially higher hourly pay, billing between $35 to $55, with specialized fields such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery frequently offering $50 to $75 per hour due to the skills required. Positions within travel surgical tech agencies can further enhance earnings, with weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for cardiac specialties. It’s essential for surgical technologists to consider the balance between hourly pay and available benefits, as employers offering lower hourly rates may provide health insurance or other perks which could add significant value. Negotiation skills are paramount, particularly when seeking compensation that reflects the technician's expertise and the evolving demands of surgical procedures in an increasingly sophisticated healthcare landscape in Orlando and beyond.
More salary data for Orlando, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Orlando in 2026?
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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 Orlando. 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