Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Clinton, IA: $28.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Clinton, IA runs $28.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,546 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,726 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Clinton, IA, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $28.63, which falls below the national median of $32.76. This hourly figure will be critical for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work in various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the compensation translates to approximately $1,150 weekly, while per-diem surgical techs can see varied rates that may exceed the median, depending on the demand and specialty. The hourly range for this role begins at $22.00 for entry-level positions and can reach as high as $40.98 for skilled workers at the top of the pay scale.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.00 | $175.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.02 | $200.18 |
| Median (P50) | $28.63 | $229.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.75 | $278.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.98 | $327.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $28.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.63/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, IA can expect to earn approximately $59,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,352. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,145.07 | $4,962 | $59,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.04 | $2,977 | $35,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.03 | $1,985 | $23,817 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Clinton) | $28.63 |
| 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 Clinton, IA earn a median of $59,546 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.61% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $63,482.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.63/hr = $35,726/year (purchasing power: $39,520).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,543/year (purchasing power: $65,867).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Clinton grew 33.9% from $20.29/hr (2019) to $27.16/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.17/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 Clinton 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 Clinton
For those contemplating a part-time surgical technologist role, working 24 hours a week (three days) would result in an annual take-home pay considerably lower than a full-time equivalent. Per-diem options can be more lucrative, with rates commonly ranging from $35 to $55 per hour. Surgical technologists specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can see per diem rates soar to between $50 and $75. Hourly wages also vary significantly by employer type, with hospitals typically offering stability and benefits, such as health insurance, whereas specialty surgical centers or travel agencies may provide higher pay without additional benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Clinton, it's advisable to assess the total compensation package, weighing higher hourly rates against the security of full-time roles that include benefits.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Clinton in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Clinton?
Are surgical technologists in Clinton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Clinton?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Clinton?
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Career Resources
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 Clinton. 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 Clinton 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