Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $38.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Salem, MA runs $38.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,731 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,841 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Salem, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly rate of $38.33, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This attractive hourly wage presents promising opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly in the vibrant healthcare environment of local hospitals and surgical centers. Surgical techs working on a part-time basis, such as three days a week, may find this rate allows for a decent income while maintaining a flexible lifestyle. The progressive pay range in Salem runs from approximately $29.34 for entry-level positions up to $57.51 for those who have extensive experience or specialize in high-demand areas. Overall, hourly estimates here are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting the value placed on skilled surgical technologists within this region.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.34 | $234.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.60 | $268.81 |
| Median (P50) | $38.33 | $306.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.63 | $365.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.51 | $460.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $38.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.33/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,735 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,001. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,533.36 | $6,645 | $79,735 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $920.02 | $3,987 | $47,841 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.34 | $2,658 | $31,894 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Salem) | $38.33 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $79,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.01% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,708.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.33/hr = $47,841/year (purchasing power: $44,093).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,735/year (purchasing power: $73,488).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salem grew 33.9% from $27.17/hr (2019) to $36.37/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.40/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 Salem 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 Salem
Understanding the earning potential as a part-time surgical technologist can highlight the practical aspects of working in this profession. A three-day workweek, totaling 24 hours, could yield around $47,699 annually, compared to a full-time salary that reflects the full time commitment. Additionally, per diem surgical technologist pay in Salem varies widely, with typical billing rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, and specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery commanding rates between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts offer even higher compensation, with weekly earnings reaching $1,800-$2,800 for surgical techs willing to work in different locations. Different employer types, such as hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and military units, often provide varied pay structures, with some surgical technologists preferring positions with benefits even if the hourly pay is lower. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly rate, understanding the specific demands and income levels of different employer types can play a critical role in achieving favorable terms.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salem 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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