Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $39.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Watertown, MA runs $39.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,677 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,012 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $39.27, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This attractive hourly rate benefits both full-time and part-time workers, making positions in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, robotic surgery rooms, and trauma OR suites more appealing. For part-time technicians working three days a week, the average earnings contribute to a stable income, while per-diem workers find that hourly roles can span a lucrative range from $28.44 for entry-level technicians to $55.66 for those at the top of the pay scale. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, suggest that Watertown's surgical technologist hourly pay is reflective of its above-average cost of living, which stands at a 108.5 index against the national average.
About the Watertown 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) | $28.44 | $227.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.70 | $277.58 |
| Median (P50) | $39.27 | $314.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.99 | $375.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.66 | $445.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $39.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.27/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $81,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,126. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,570.88 | $6,807 | $81,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.53 | $4,084 | $49,012 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.35 | $2,723 | $32,674 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Watertown) | $39.27 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $81,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.86% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,752.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.27/hr = $49,012/year (purchasing power: $45,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,686/year (purchasing power: $75,286).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Watertown grew 33.9% from $27.84/hr (2019) to $37.26/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.39/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
For those interested in part-time roles, working 24 hours a week translates to a reliable annual income, although full-time technicians generally earn more. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Watertown typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, increasing for specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where rates can soar to $50-$75. Travel contracts, particularly for cardiac surgical techs, can reach weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. The variety of employer types in Watertown influences pay rates, as positions in hospital operating rooms often offer benefits that can be attractive despite a lower hourly rate compared to specialty or agency positions. Understanding these factors allows a surgical technologist to make informed choices about employment options. When negotiating pay, emphasize specialized skills or certifications, such as robotic surgery experience, to secure competitive compensation.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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