Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $28.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Muscatine, IA runs $28.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,264 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,555 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $28.49. This figure falls below the national hourly median of $32.76, indicating a lower compensation level for this profession within the region. The surgical technologist hourly pay in Muscatine provides an intriguing perspective for part-time and per-diem workers, especially those who may work three days a week. At full capacity, these professionals contribute their expertise in various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. As for entry-level positions, the hourly pay can start around $22.51, while top earners in Muscatine may see hourly rates reaching up to $40.46. It's essential to understand that these rates reflect projections derived from comprehensive annual salary data.
About the Muscatine 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) | $22.51 | $180.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.38 | $203.04 |
| Median (P50) | $28.49 | $227.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.44 | $275.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.46 | $323.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $28.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.49/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $59,258 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,188. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.58 | $4,938 | $59,258 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.75 | $2,963 | $35,555 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.83 | $1,975 | $23,703 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Muscatine) | $28.49 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $59,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.03% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $63,452.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.49/hr = $35,555/year (purchasing power: $39,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,258/year (purchasing power: $65,551).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Muscatine grew 33.9% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $27.03/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.03/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
An analysis of the potential financial outcomes reveals that a part-time surgical technologist working three days a week, or 24 hours, would take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Given the hourly pay of $28.49, a part-time worker might earn around $35,000 annually, contrasting sharply with the earnings of a full-time employee. The per diem surgical technologist pay in Muscatine typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialty areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery demanding between $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can yield even more, often between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly; however, this comes with its unique challenges. Hourly rates can vary by employer type, with hospitals often providing better benefits packages, which can lead some surgical technologists to tolerate lower hourly wages for job security and health insurance. Those seeking higher pay should be prepared to negotiate effectively, understanding the competitive landscape of Muscatine's surgical technology job market.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Muscatine?
Are surgical technologists in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Muscatine?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
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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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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