Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Richmond, KY: $28.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Richmond, KY runs $28.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,950 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Kentucky, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $28.81 in 2026, which is below the national hourly median of $32.76. This hourly rate offers a solid foundation for professionals working in a range of settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty surgical units. For those considering part-time employment, a 3-day workweek could result in significant earnings, while per-diem roles provide flexibility with varying rates typically between $20.62 and $40.69 per hour for entry-level positions to experienced specialists. The pay scale reflects the competitive nature of the industry in Richmond, with variances driven by experience and the type of facility.
About the Richmond 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) | $20.62 | $164.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.25 | $194.02 |
| Median (P50) | $28.81 | $230.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.00 | $280.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.69 | $325.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $28.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.81/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, KY can expect to earn approximately $59,916 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,567. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.23 | $4,993 | $59,916 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.34 | $2,996 | $35,950 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.89 | $1,997 | $23,966 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Richmond) | $28.81 |
| 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 Richmond, KY earn a median of $59,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $60,827.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.81/hr = $35,950/year (purchasing power: $40,257).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,916/year (purchasing power: $67,095).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Richmond grew 33.9% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $27.33/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.36/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
While full-time surgical technologists benefit from a stable income, those opting for part-time roles can expect differing annual earnings, particularly if they work around 24 hours a week. This could amount to a take-home range less than that of full-time peers but still provides financial viability for those not seeking full-time hours. For per-diem surgical technologists, the billing often reflects a robust market, with rates typically between $35 and $55 per hour; specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery might command even higher pay, reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Navigating employment between various facility types—such as military and VA units versus private specialty centers—can yield contrasting pay scales and benefits. Candidates in Richmond should consider both the hourly rate and health benefits when accepting job offers, balancing the trade-off between higher pay with fewer benefits and lower pay with comprehensive health coverage.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Richmond 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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