Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Potomac, MD: $34.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Potomac, MD runs $34.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Potomac's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,342 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Potomac, Maryland, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $34.73 in 2026, exceeding the national hourly median of $32.76 by a notable 6.00%. This competitive pay scenario makes the profession appealing for both part-time workers and per-diem surgical technologists, who typically find themselves in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, there are opportunities to earn between $24.09 and $51.31 per hour, enabling a potentially lucrative balance alongside other commitments. The entry-level positions at the P10 level offer starting hourly pay, while experienced surgical technologists in Potomac can command up to $51.31, reflecting their advanced skills and specialization in areas like robotic surgery.
About the Potomac Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.09 | $192.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.70 | $245.62 |
| Median (P50) | $34.73 | $277.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.91 | $343.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.31 | $410.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Potomac
Based on $34.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.73/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Potomac, MD can expect to earn approximately $72,237 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,675. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Potomac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Potomac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,389.17 | $6,020 | $72,237 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $833.50 | $3,612 | $43,342 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $555.67 | $2,408 | $28,895 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Potomac) | $34.73 |
| 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 Potomac, MD earn a median of $72,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the Maryland state average of $74,462.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.73/hr = $43,342/year (purchasing power: $39,654).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,237/year (purchasing power: $66,091).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Potomac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Potomac grew 33.9% from $24.62/hr (2019) to $32.95/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.60/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 Potomac 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 Potomac
Examining the part-time earning potential for a surgical technologist working in Potomac reveals the nuances of this profession's compensation structure. A part-time schedule, approximately 24 hours a week, can result in earnings of around $43,248 annually, which can be quite enticing compared to traditional full-time roles. Conversely, per diem surgical technologists in the area generally bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery demanding a premium rate that can reach $75. Travel surgical technologist contracts also showcase appealing financial prospects, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, especially for specialized fields. It's important to note that hourly rates can vary based on employer types, with hospitals and specialized centers often providing additional benefits that may justify slightly lower hourly rates for those who prioritize health insurance. Negotiating effectively for a competitive surgical technologist hourly rate MD requires understanding both worth and market demand, ensuring one can balance immediate earnings with long-term financial health.
More salary data for Potomac, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Potomac in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Potomac?
Are surgical technologists in Potomac paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Potomac?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Potomac?
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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 Potomac. 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 Potomac 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