Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Owensboro, KY: $29.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Owensboro, KY runs $29.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,347 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Owensboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owensboro, KY, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $29.49 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate significantly influences the earning potential for part-time and per-diem surgical technologists working in various environments, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. With an hourly range from $20.75 at the entry-level (P10) up to $43.15 for the top 10% of earners (P90), there is substantial variability based primarily on experience and the type of surgical setting. These figures provide a reasonable expectation for surgical techs entering the Owensboro job market, where salaries remain competitive despite being slightly below the national average.
About the Owensboro Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.75 | $166.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.58 | $196.63 |
| Median (P50) | $29.49 | $235.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.87 | $286.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.15 | $345.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owensboro
Based on $29.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.49/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owensboro, KY can expect to earn approximately $61,341 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,389. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owensboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owensboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,179.64 | $5,112 | $61,341 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.78 | $3,067 | $36,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.85 | $2,045 | $24,536 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Owensboro) | $29.49 |
| 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 Owensboro, KY earn a median of $61,347 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.97% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.80% above the Kentucky state average of $60,860.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.49/hr = $36,805/year (purchasing power: $41,215).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,341/year (purchasing power: $68,691).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Owensboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Owensboro grew 34.3% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $27.98/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.08/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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro
For those considering part-time work, a surgical technologist working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $45,831 annually, which is a substantial figure for a position that may not require full-time commitment. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Owensboro can vary widely, with fees ranging from $35 to $55 per hour for general specialties, while high-demand areas, such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery, can command rates between $50 and $75 per hour. Weekly contracts for travel surgical techs may offer even more enticing opportunities, bringing in between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, especially in high-pressure specialties like cardiac surgery. Although positions in hospitals tend to provide lower hourly rates compared to temporary roles through agencies, they also offer benefits that may appeal to some surgical technologists looking for job stability. Understanding how to effectively negotiate pay, especially in a city like Owensboro where the surgical technologist hourly rate KY trends may fluctuate, can significantly impact overall job satisfaction and quality of life.
More salary data for Owensboro, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Owensboro in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Owensboro?
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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 Owensboro. 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 Owensboro 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