Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $33.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Detroit, MI runs $33.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,364 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,619 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $33.35 in 2026, edging above the national median of $32.76. This competitive hourly rate offers significant earning potential for those who may choose to work part-time or on a per-diem basis in various healthcare settings, such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. With an hourly range that spans from $23.62 for entry-level positions to $40.21 for top earners, surgical technologists can find flexible work arrangements that suit their needs while also enjoying a robust pay scale compared to many other professions in the region.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.62 | $188.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.21 | $233.65 |
| Median (P50) | $33.35 | $266.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.55 | $316.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.21 | $321.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $33.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.35/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $69,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,018. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,333.94 | $5,780 | $69,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $800.37 | $3,468 | $41,619 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.58 | $2,312 | $27,746 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Detroit) | $33.35 |
| 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 Detroit, MI earn a median of $69,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.90% above the Michigan state average of $66,760.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.35/hr = $41,619/year (purchasing power: $41,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,365/year (purchasing power: $69,159).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+64.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Detroit grew 48.4% from $21.32/hr (2019) to $31.64/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.15/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 Detroit 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 Detroit
A surgical technologist working three days a week, totalling 24 hours, could expect to bring home a considerable income that's reflective of their hourly efforts, though it would fall short compared to full-time earnings. Per-diem surgical technologists in Detroit may bill between $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery increasing rates to as much as $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts can yield anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, making this path financially attractive for many professionals in the field. It's noteworthy that hourly rates can vary between employer types; for example, surgical techs in hospital settings may enjoy more comprehensive benefits compared to those in ambulatory surgery centers or military units. Negotiating for better pay often comes down to a trade-off between hourly rates and benefits, underscoring the importance of understanding the specific job market in Detroit when pursuing a surgical technologist career.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
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 Detroit. 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, 7-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