Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Charles, LA: $29.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Lake Charles, LA runs $29.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,028 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Lake Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,212 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $29.82, which falls short of the national median of $32.76 per hour. This hourly wage has implications for various work arrangements commonly seen in the field, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers. Those working part-time, for example three days a week, can expect to see a reliable income while enjoying the flexibility of their schedules. The hourly pay range in Lake Charles spans from $20.19 for entry-level positions to $35.11 for the highest earners, reflecting the diversity in skill levels and specialty areas. These figures are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, showcasing the earning potential for surgical technologists within local operating rooms and specialized surgical suites.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.19 | $161.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.41 | $203.30 |
| Median (P50) | $29.82 | $238.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.73 | $245.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.11 | $280.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Charles
Based on $29.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.82/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Charles, LA can expect to earn approximately $62,021 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,781. With a cost-of-living index of 85.85 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lake Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.71 | $5,168 | $62,021 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.62 | $3,101 | $37,212 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.08 | $2,067 | $24,808 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Lake Charles) | $29.82 |
| 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 Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $62,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.97% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% above the Louisiana state average of $60,871.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.82/hr = $37,212/year (purchasing power: $43,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,021/year (purchasing power: $72,241).
CoL index: 85.852 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lake Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lake Charles grew 33.9% from $21.14/hr (2019) to $28.29/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.43/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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles
For those considering a part-time role, working an average of 24 hours per week, the annual earnings can be significantly different compared to full-time employment. Part-time techs can take home an approximate full-time equivalent, but they often enjoy a better work-life balance. Contrarily, per diem surgical technologists have the potential to increase their pay, as they often bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular or neuro surgery commanding even higher rates. In Lake Charles, hourly wages can vary considerably depending on employer types; hospitals may offer lower rates compared to specialty surgical centers or travel agencies. With differences in benefits packages as well, some surgical technologists might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating these factors effectively can lead to more favorable positions in a competitive job market for surgical technologists in LA.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles. 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, 5-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