Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Slidell, LA: $29.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Slidell, LA runs $29.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,291 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Slidell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,383 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Slidell, Louisiana, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $29.95, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate provides a solid earning potential for surgical technologists, particularly those who work part-time or in per-diem roles. With a range from $23.25 at the entry-level to $35.46 for those at the top of their field, professionals can expect varying levels of pay influenced by their experience and the specific surgical settings they work in, such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical facilities. The official BLS data, derived from 2025 figures projected to 2026, highlights the more affordable cost of living in Slidell, allowing for potential financial flexibility in a profession essential to surgical care.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.25 | $186.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.88 | $199.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.95 | $239.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.85 | $254.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.46 | $283.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Slidell
Based on $29.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.95/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Slidell, LA can expect to earn approximately $62,306 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,946. With a cost-of-living index of 92.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Slidell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Slidell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.19 | $5,192 | $62,306 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.91 | $3,115 | $37,383 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.27 | $2,077 | $24,922 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Slidell) | $29.95 |
| 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 Slidell, LA earn a median of $62,291 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% above the Louisiana state average of $60,831.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.95/hr = $37,383/year (purchasing power: $40,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,306/year (purchasing power: $67,193).
CoL index: 92.726 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Slidell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Slidell grew 33.9% from $21.23/hr (2019) to $28.42/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.57/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 Slidell 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 Slidell
When examining the financial dynamics of surgical technologists in Slidell, particularly for those considering part-time or per-diem work, the potential earnings reveal a nuanced picture. A surgical technologist working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could take home approximately $37,068 annually, a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time colleagues. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Slidell can range broadly, with many professionals billing between $35 and $55 per hour; those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery may find per diem rates elevate to $50-$75. Travel contracts can be even more lucrative, with weekly earnings reaching $1,800-$2,800 for high-demand locations. This variation across employer types reflects the trade-offs that surgical technologists face when negotiating their hourly rate, considering health insurance benefits versus higher pay without them. Given these factors, strategic negotiation becomes essential for individuals in this field, taking into account the specific demands of local employers, such as hospitals and specialized surgical centers.
More salary data for Slidell, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Slidell 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 Slidell. 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, 2-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