Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Waipahu, HI: $38.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Waipahu, HI runs $38.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Waipahu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,788 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, HI, surgical technologists enjoy a median hourly pay of $38.29, significantly above the national median of $32.76. This level of compensation reflects the specialized skills required in settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and trauma OR suites. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this wage can translate to a substantial income, particularly given the hourly pay ranges from $27.27 for entry-level positions to as high as $57.45 for the top earners. Such estimates, derived from annual salary data, indicate that even part-time or per-diem surgical techs have lucrative opportunities in Waipahu’s bustling healthcare environment.
About the Waipahu 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) | $27.27 | $218.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.02 | $256.16 |
| Median (P50) | $38.29 | $306.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.50 | $364.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.45 | $459.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waipahu
Based on $38.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.29/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waipahu, HI can expect to earn approximately $79,647 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,950. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waipahu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waipahu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,531.67 | $6,637 | $79,647 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $919.00 | $3,982 | $47,788 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.67 | $2,655 | $31,859 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Waipahu) | $38.29 |
| 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 Waipahu, HI earn a median of $79,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $81,283.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.29/hr = $47,788/year (purchasing power: $40,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,647/year (purchasing power: $66,762).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Waipahu grew 33.9% from $27.14/hr (2019) to $36.33/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.36/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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Considering different employment scenarios, a surgical technologist working part-time at this hourly rate would take home approximately $47,690 annually, while a full-time counterpart's earnings could soar to nearly $79,657. Per-diem surgical technologists in Waipahu often charge between $35 and $55 per hour, though those in specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery might see rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts can pay from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly—especially lucrative for cardiac surgery roles. However, employment types can significantly influence hourly pay, as hospitals might offer steadier hours and benefits, albeit often at a lower hourly rate than private agencies. Negotiating becomes critical, especially in a competitive market; surgical technologists may find it advantageous to leverage their certifications, like CST, or specialized training in robotic surgery to command higher wages.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Waipahu in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Waipahu?
Are surgical technologists in Waipahu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Waipahu?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Waipahu?
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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 Waipahu. 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 Waipahu 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