Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Houma, LA: $26.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Houma, LA runs $26.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Houma's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.1, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,385 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houma, Louisiana, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $26.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.76. This wage reflects the unique economic landscape of the region, where surgical techs typically work in various settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical environments. Those working part-time, say three days a week, can expect earnings of approximately $2,140 monthly if scheduled for 24 hours, while per-diem surgical technologist roles provide more flexibility—often resulting in hourly compensation ranging anywhere from entry-level rates of $22.68 to top-tier earnings approaching $35.17. These figures are derived from official BLS data projected for 2026 and illustrate the financial expectations for surgical technologists in the Houma area.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.68 | $181.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.88 | $183.06 |
| Median (P50) | $26.75 | $214.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.31 | $250.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.17 | $281.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houma
Based on $26.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.75/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houma, LA can expect to earn approximately $55,641 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,101. With a cost-of-living index of 85.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,070.02 | $4,637 | $55,641 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.01 | $2,782 | $33,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.01 | $1,855 | $22,256 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Houma) | $26.75 |
| 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 Houma, LA earn a median of $55,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.36% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 8.60% below the Louisiana state average of $60,864.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.75/hr = $33,385/year (purchasing power: $39,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,641/year (purchasing power: $65,381).
CoL index: 85.103 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Houma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Houma grew 20.7% from $21.02/hr (2019) to $25.38/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.20/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 Houma 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 Houma
Looking at the part-time earnings potential, a surgical technologist working three days a week may take home about $25,680 annually, while full-time practitioners likely earn a higher overall salary. For those seeking per-diem or agency roles, compensation can significantly exceed the local rate; many bill between $35 to $55 per hour, with cardiovascular and neuro specialties commanding premiums that could reach $75 per hour. Contract roles can escalate earnings even further, with travel surgical techs earning upwards of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In Houma, hourly wage variations can be seen depending on the employer type—hospitals may offer different rates compared to specialty surgical centers or military units. For surgical technologists considering various opportunities, accepting a lower hourly rate may come with the benefit of health insurance, while those prioritizing pay might forgo benefits altogether. Negotiating rates remains crucial; being informed about prevailing wages and demonstrating specialized skills can enhance prospects in this competitive field, especially with certifications like CST or expertise in areas such as robotic surgery.
More salary data for Houma, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Houma in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Houma?
Are surgical technologists in Houma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Houma?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Houma?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Houma. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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