Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in North Liberty, IA: $28.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in North Liberty, IA runs $28.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,842 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against North Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,910 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For surgical technologists in North Liberty, IA, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at $28.77, trailing the national hourly median of $32.76. This rate reflects the earnings for those working in diverse surgical settings like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities. For part-time professionals working around three days a week, this hourly wage allows for a respectable income without the commitments often required in full-time roles. The hourly pay range stretches from $20.80 for entry-level positions to about $41.45 for those in the top tier, indicating ample potential for advancement and specialization in the field.
About the North Liberty 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) | $20.80 | $166.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.97 | $207.76 |
| Median (P50) | $28.77 | $230.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.09 | $280.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.45 | $331.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Liberty
Based on $28.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.77/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Liberty, IA can expect to earn approximately $59,850 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,529. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.97 | $4,988 | $59,850 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.58 | $2,993 | $35,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.39 | $1,995 | $23,940 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (North Liberty) | $28.77 |
| 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 North Liberty, IA earn a median of $59,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.18% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.70% below the Iowa state average of $63,459.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.77/hr = $35,910/year (purchasing power: $39,724).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,850/year (purchasing power: $66,206).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in North Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in North Liberty grew 33.9% from $20.40/hr (2019) to $27.30/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.33/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 North Liberty 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 North Liberty
When exploring the financial landscape for surgical technologists in North Liberty, part-time individuals working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $35,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those seeking more flexibility, per diem surgical technologist pay in North Liberty can range from $35 to $55 per hour, while specialty roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery might command even higher rates, reaching between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts offer a lucrative alternative, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially in high-demand specialties. Hourly earnings can vary based on the type of employer, with surgical technologists in hospitals receiving different compensations compared to those in specialty surgical centers or VA units. Many surgical technologists must weigh benefits against hourly rates; some may opt for lower pay in return for health insurance and other perks, while others might prefer higher pay with fewer benefits. Understanding the local job market and negotiating effectively is essential for maximizing earnings in this crucial healthcare role.
More salary data for North Liberty, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 North Liberty. 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 North Liberty 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