Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, GA: $29.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Columbus, GA runs $29.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,311 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,792 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Georgia, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $29.48, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.76. This difference is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem surgical technologists, who typically work in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For someone working three days a week, this rate translates into flexible earning potential while accommodating other commitments. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to start at $20.28 per hour, while more seasoned professionals can reach up to $32.05 per hour, showcasing a competitive range for those entering the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.28 | $162.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.03 | $200.26 |
| Median (P50) | $29.48 | $235.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.72 | $245.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.05 | $256.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $29.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.48/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, GA can expect to earn approximately $61,319 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,376. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.22 | $5,110 | $61,319 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.53 | $3,066 | $36,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.69 | $2,044 | $24,528 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Columbus) | $29.48 |
| 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 Columbus, GA earn a median of $61,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.02% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.90% below the Georgia state average of $63,142.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.48/hr = $36,792/year (purchasing power: $41,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,319/year (purchasing power: $68,670).
CoL index: 89.296 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Columbus grew 47.5% from $18.96/hr (2019) to $27.97/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.07/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Evaluating the earning landscape for surgical technologists, it’s crucial to consider part-time versus full-time earnings in Columbus. A surgical technologist working 24 hours per week can take home about $36,770 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Columbus varies widely, with many billing rates between $35 and $55 per hour, particularly for specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which can command rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, offering weekly stipends ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for positions in cardiac surgery. Additionally, hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of employer; surgical technologists may earn less in outpatient settings but might prioritize benefits such as health insurance when accepting a lower hourly rate. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing specialized skills like robotic surgery certification and considering the overall compensation package, not just the straight hourly rate.
More salary data for Columbus, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Columbus 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 Columbus. 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