Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Cape Girardeau, MO: $25.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Cape Girardeau, MO runs $25.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,574 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Cape Girardeau's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.1, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,543 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $25.27 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.76. This wage translates to an approachable earning potential for part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, allowing them to maintain flexibility while still gaining valuable experience in settings like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. With an hourly range of $19.31 to $34.27, newly employed surgical technologists can expect competitive pay, though it may differ significantly from more seasoned professionals. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data underscores the growing demand for surgical technologists in the region, reflecting the essential nature of their role in healthcare delivery.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.31 | $154.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.82 | $166.53 |
| Median (P50) | $25.27 | $202.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.28 | $258.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.27 | $274.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cape Girardeau
Based on $25.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.27/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cape Girardeau, MO can expect to earn approximately $52,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,330. With a cost-of-living index of 86.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cape Girardeau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cape Girardeau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,011.00 | $4,381 | $52,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.60 | $2,629 | $31,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.40 | $1,752 | $21,029 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Cape Girardeau) | $25.27 |
| 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 Cape Girardeau, MO earn a median of $52,574 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.85% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 18.40% below the Missouri state average of $64,428.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.27/hr = $31,543/year (purchasing power: $36,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,572/year (purchasing power: $61,075).
CoL index: 86.078 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cape Girardeau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cape Girardeau grew 33.9% from $17.92/hr (2019) to $23.98/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.64/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 Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau
Part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours per week could earn around $31,327 annually, which is typically less than what full-time peers earn, emphasizing the trade-offs between hours worked and income received. Those considering per diem opportunities often find that they can command higher rates; per diem surgical technologists in Cape Girardeau typically bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery offering even higher per-diem rates that can reach up to $75. Different employer types also impact hourly pay, with variations seen in hospital settings compared to ambulatory surgery or military units. Surgical technologists often make decisions about accepting roles with lower hourly rates that include benefits versus higher pay without health insurance. To negotiate effectively, it's key for surgical technologists in Cape Girardeau to assess not just pay but the full value of the employment package being offered.
More salary data for Cape Girardeau, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cape Girardeau in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Cape Girardeau?
Are surgical technologists in Cape Girardeau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Cape Girardeau?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cape Girardeau?
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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 Cape Girardeau. 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, 4-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