Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in West Palm Beach, FL: $33.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in West Palm Beach, FL runs $33.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,614 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against West Palm Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in West Palm Beach, FL, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $33.95 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national average of $32.76. This hourly wage opens opportunities for individuals seeking both part-time and per-diem roles across various healthcare settings. Whether working in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical facilities, surgical technologists can earn between $23.61 and $52.10 an hour. Such pay scales offer a compelling reason for those in the field to consider diverse work arrangements, ranging from three-day work weeks to per-diem positions that adapt to their lifestyle.
About the West Palm Beach 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) | $23.61 | $188.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.17 | $225.39 |
| Median (P50) | $33.95 | $271.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.63 | $341.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.10 | $416.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Palm Beach
Based on $33.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.95/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Palm Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $70,615 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,739. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Palm Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Palm Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.97 | $5,885 | $70,615 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.78 | $3,531 | $42,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.19 | $2,354 | $28,246 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (West Palm Beach) | $33.95 |
| 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 West Palm Beach, FL earn a median of $70,614 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.63% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 8.50% above the Florida state average of $65,082.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.95/hr = $42,369/year (purchasing power: $42,033).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,615/year (purchasing power: $70,054).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in West Palm Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in West Palm Beach grew 33.9% from $24.06/hr (2019) to $32.21/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.78/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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
While the hourly pay for a surgical technologist may attract candidates to full-time roles, those opting for part-time work can still achieve substantial earnings. For instance, a surgical technologist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would earn just under $42,000 annually, which provides a solid income compared to many part-time roles. Per diem surgical technologists often charge between $35 to $55 per hour, with specialties such as cardiovascular and neuro tech roles commanding even higher rates, between $50 and $75. Travel contracts can further amplify earnings, with rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Employers, including hospitals and private surgical centers, sometimes offer varied hourly rates based on benefits, presenting a trade-off between hourly pay and health insurance options. For those in this profession, understanding the local market dynamics in West Palm Beach along with effective negotiation strategies can ensure they secure the most favorable pay conditions.
More salary data for West Palm Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in West Palm Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in West Palm Beach?
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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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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