Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $28.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Central, LA runs $28.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $28.10 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.76. This discrepancy signifies important considerations for those seeking part-time roles or per-diem opportunities within local hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical settings. With an hourly range from $21.28 at the entry-level to $41.07 for more experienced professionals, individuals in this field often find themselves weighing job opportunities in various surgical environments, including trauma OR suites and robotic surgery rooms. For surgical technologists, understanding this hourly framework is crucial for making career decisions, as many work schedules revolve around the demands of operating rooms.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.28 | $170.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.53 | $196.21 |
| Median (P50) | $28.10 | $224.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.38 | $275.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.07 | $328.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $28.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.10/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $58,447 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,720. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.99 | $4,871 | $58,447 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.39 | $2,922 | $35,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.59 | $1,948 | $23,379 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Central) | $28.10 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $58,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.23% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $60,819.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.10/hr = $35,068/year (purchasing power: $38,835).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,447/year (purchasing power: $64,726).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Central grew 33.9% from $19.92/hr (2019) to $26.66/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.62/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 Central 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 Central
Exploring further, part-time surgical technologists working three days a week are positioned to earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts. Specifically, a part-time worker putting in 24 hours each week could expect a yearly take-home significantly reduced from a full-time salary. Per-diem surgical technologists in Central may encounter billing rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular and neuro surgery potentially fetching between $50 and $75. Travel contracts can further enhance earnings, with weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800 offered for cardiac specialties. Given that surgical technologist hourly rates can differ across employer types—ranging from military units to private surgical centers—professionals often negotiate based on factors such as health benefits, trade-offs related to pay, and individual career goals. Gaining insight into these aspects can empower workers to maximize their potential in the evolving job market in Central, LA.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Central in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Central?
Are surgical technologists in Central paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Central?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Central?
Related Pages
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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 Central. 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 Central 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