Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kailua, HI: $38.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kailua, HI runs $38.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,585 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kailua's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,354 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kailua, Hawaii, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $38.75, significantly exceeding the national median of $32.76. This pay level suggests a robust opportunity for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week, to earn a respectable income. A per-diem surgical technologist can operate in various settings, from hospital operating rooms to specialty surgical centers, often enjoying flexible scheduling. The hourly rate typically ranges from $28.29 for entry-level positions to $56.49 for the most experienced professionals. Understanding the dynamics of surgical technologist hourly pay in Kailua can help individuals make informed career decisions, especially given the growing demand within this field.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.29 | $226.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.95 | $263.58 |
| Median (P50) | $38.75 | $309.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.42 | $379.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.49 | $451.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kailua
Based on $38.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.75/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kailua, HI can expect to earn approximately $80,590 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,494. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kailua.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kailua
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,549.80 | $6,716 | $80,590 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.88 | $4,029 | $48,354 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.92 | $2,686 | $32,236 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kailua) | $38.75 |
| 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 Kailua, HI earn a median of $80,585 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.26% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Hawaii state average of $81,316.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.75/hr = $48,354/year (purchasing power: $40,531).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,590/year (purchasing power: $67,552).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kailua grew 33.9% from $27.46/hr (2019) to $36.76/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.84/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 Kailua 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 Kailua
For those considering part-time work, a surgical technologist in Kailua can take home roughly $55,440 annually by working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate. On the other hand, per-diem surgical technologists commonly bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialists in cardiovascular or neurosurgery potentially earning between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can be highly lucrative, offering $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially for those who take on high-demand positions. Different employer types also influence hourly pay, with hospital operating rooms generally offering stability and benefits, while specialty surgical centers might provide higher pay but less job security. Surgical technologists should weigh these dynamics when negotiating their hourly rates and consider the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits packages, particularly in a competitive job market like Kailua, HI.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kailua 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 Kailua. 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 Kailua 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