Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Liberty, MO: $30.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Liberty, MO runs $30.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Liberty's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,094 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Liberty, Missouri, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $30.52 in 2026. This rate is a bit lower than the national median of $32.76, indicating that surgical technologists in the area may find slightly reduced compensation compared to their peers across the country. For those working part-time—such as three days a week—this rate can translate into a viable income, especially supplemented by opportunities in various surgical settings like hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers. The hourly range spans from $21.89 for entry-level positions up to $43.17 for experienced top earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and specialization within surgical technology.
About the Liberty Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.89 | $175.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.73 | $205.83 |
| Median (P50) | $30.52 | $244.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.47 | $291.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.17 | $345.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Liberty
Based on $30.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.52/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Liberty, MO can expect to earn approximately $63,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,629. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Liberty.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Liberty
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.95 | $5,291 | $63,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.57 | $3,174 | $38,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.38 | $2,116 | $25,396 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Liberty) | $30.52 |
| 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 Liberty, MO earn a median of $63,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.83% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Missouri state average of $64,452.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.52/hr = $38,094/year (purchasing power: $42,515).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,490/year (purchasing power: $70,859).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Liberty (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Liberty grew 33.9% from $21.64/hr (2019) to $28.96/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Liberty 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 Liberty
Examining the earning potential, a part-time surgical technologist working approximately 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $38,000 annually, which contrasts starkly with a full-time professional in the field. Per-diem surgical technologists in Liberty often bill rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with those in specialized areas like cardiovascular and neuro surgery commanding higher pay, sometimes reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts can fetch between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. The type of employer can significantly influence pay rates; while hospital operating rooms may offer stability and benefits, ambulatory surgery centers and specialty facilities might present higher hourly rates but lack comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating pay, it is worth considering these trade-offs, prioritizing either hourly compensation or benefits based on personal needs and career goals.
More salary data for Liberty, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Liberty in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Liberty?
Are surgical technologists in Liberty paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Liberty?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Liberty?
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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 Liberty. 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 Liberty 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