Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Sanford, FL: $31.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Sanford, FL runs $31.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sanford, Florida, surgical technologists receive a median hourly rate of $31.89, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for part-time and per-diem workers who typically staff hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma units. Entry-level professionals may start around $22.39 per hour, while experienced surgical technologists in the top 10% can earn up to $46.74 per hour. These hourly figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data and highlight the potential earnings in the surgical technology field, making it an attractive option for those seeking a career with flexible work schedules in Sanford, FL.
About the Sanford 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) | $22.39 | $179.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.62 | $212.99 |
| Median (P50) | $31.89 | $255.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.84 | $310.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.74 | $373.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $31.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.89/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, FL can expect to earn approximately $66,340 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,273. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.76 | $5,528 | $66,340 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.46 | $3,317 | $39,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.30 | $2,211 | $26,536 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Sanford) | $31.89 |
| 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 Sanford, FL earn a median of $66,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% above the Florida state average of $65,109.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.89/hr = $39,804/year (purchasing power: $39,488).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,340/year (purchasing power: $65,813).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sanford grew 33.9% from $22.61/hr (2019) to $30.26/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.62/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Exploring the hourly pay dynamics in the surgical technologist profession reveals interesting facets, especially for those considering part-time work. A surgical technologist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can expect to take home around $39,577 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For per-diem roles, hourly billing rates can range from $35 to $55, with specialized positions in cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts can be particularly lucrative, with weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, especially for surgical techs specializing in cardiac procedures. In Sanford, hourly rates often vary based on the employer, with hospitals typically offering steadier incomes compared to specialty surgical centers or travel agencies. Surgical technologists must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of accepting lower hourly rates for positions that offer health insurance against the allure of higher pay but fewer benefits. Negotiation strategies are essential in this field as professionals seek to maximize their hourly pay while considering their specific needs and career goals.
More salary data for Sanford, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sanford in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Sanford?
Are surgical technologists in Sanford paid hourly or salary?
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Related Pages
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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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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