Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $28.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $28.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,248 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,950 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $28.00, which falls below the national median of $32.76. This lower wage reflects regional economic conditions and can influence the decisions of those seeking both part-time roles, typically working three days a week, as well as per-diem positions across various surgical settings. The hourly range for surgical technologists in Fort Dodge extends from $21.32 for entry-level positions to $38.87 for experienced professionals, indicating a significant earning potential for top-tier specialists. These salaries are estimated from annual data but highlight the critical role that surgical technologists hold within hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and other surgical environments.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $21.32 | $170.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.35 | $194.78 |
| Median (P50) | $28.00 | $224.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.90 | $271.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.87 | $310.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $28.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.00/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $58,250 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,606. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,120.19 | $4,854 | $58,250 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.11 | $2,912 | $34,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.08 | $1,942 | $23,300 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Fort Dodge) | $28.00 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $58,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.52% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $63,451.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.00/hr = $34,950/year (purchasing power: $38,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,250/year (purchasing power: $64,436).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fort Dodge grew 33.9% from $19.85/hr (2019) to $26.57/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.52/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
When considering a part-time surgical technologist position, those working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, may find their annual earnings significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem surgical technologists often experience variable pay, billed between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding even higher rates of $50 to $75. Travel opportunities for surgical techs frequently yield weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially in high-demand cases. Employment settings can greatly affect hourly rates; those in Fort Dodge may encounter diverse pay scales in hospital operating rooms versus specialty surgical centers or military units. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages tied to benefits like health insurance, understanding the trade-offs involved. Negotiation tactics should center around demonstrating qualifications, particularly for specialty certifications that can justify higher rates, and being open to multiple employment formats, including agency work—which in Fort Dodge can provide lucrative opportunities in a competitive healthcare environment.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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