Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Punta Gorda, FL: $31.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Punta Gorda, FL runs $31.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Punta Gorda's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,488 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Punta Gorda, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.64, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay offers both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities significant earning potential. For a part-time surgical technologist working three days a week, this translates into around $21,200 annually, while per-diem roles can increase earnings considerably, especially in high-demand environments such as hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers. With an hourly range from $22.70 for entry-level positions to $38.37 for experienced professionals, individuals in this field have a promising financial outlook. This information reflects official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, expected for the year 2026, indicating a secure position in the healthcare workforce.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.70 | $181.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.23 | $241.83 |
| Median (P50) | $31.64 | $253.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.13 | $257.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.37 | $306.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Punta Gorda
Based on $31.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.64/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Punta Gorda, FL can expect to earn approximately $65,813 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,969. With a cost-of-living index of 100.53 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Punta Gorda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Punta Gorda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.64 | $5,484 | $65,813 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.39 | $3,291 | $39,488 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.26 | $2,194 | $26,325 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Punta Gorda) | $31.64 |
| 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 Punta Gorda, FL earn a median of $65,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.40% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the Florida state average of $65,106.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.64/hr = $39,488/year (purchasing power: $39,282).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,813/year (purchasing power: $65,470).
CoL index: 100.525 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Punta Gorda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Punta Gorda grew 36.3% from $22.03/hr (2019) to $30.02/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.35/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 Punta Gorda 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 Punta Gorda
Contract and part-time surgical technologists in Punta Gorda can see varied earning opportunities depending on their work environment and skill set. A full-time surgical tech typically earns a stable income, while those who work three days a week can take home a substantial yet lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem surgical technologists, typical billing rates range from $35 to $55 per hour, and specialized roles—like those in cardiovascular or neurosurgery—may command rates between $50 to $75. Furthermore, travel surgical tech contracts often offer lucrative compensation, with weekly earnings reaching between $1,800 and $2,800, especially for those specializing in cardiac procedures. In Punta Gorda, hourly rates can also differ substantially based on the type of facility, such as ambulatory surgery centers versus hospital settings. Many surgical technologists might choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay for greater flexibility. Understanding the nuances in per diem surgical technologist pay in Punta Gorda and negotiating effectively can help aspiring surgical techs maximize their earnings and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Punta Gorda, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Punta Gorda in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Punta Gorda?
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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 Punta Gorda. 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, 6-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