Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $32.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Missoula, MT runs $32.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,488 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,488 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $32.44, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. For professionals in this field, especially those considering part-time work or per-diem roles typically found in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites, this pay translates to a significant opportunity. Those starting out in the profession might earn around $18.45 per hour, while more experienced technologists can command rates up to $46.80. This official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflects the varied earning potential across the Missoula area.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.45 | $147.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.92 | $199.33 |
| Median (P50) | $32.44 | $259.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.20 | $297.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.80 | $374.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $32.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.44/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $67,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,931. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,297.68 | $5,623 | $67,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.61 | $3,374 | $40,488 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.07 | $2,249 | $26,992 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Missoula) | $32.44 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $67,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.96% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% above the Montana state average of $65,522.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.44/hr = $40,488/year (purchasing power: $41,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,480/year (purchasing power: $69,967).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Missoula grew 16.5% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $30.78/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.19/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
For surgical technologists working part-time, specifically at around three days a week, their take-home earnings can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. For example, a part-time surgical technologist working 24 hours a week would pull in a respectable annual income, but it still pales in contrast to the full-time equivalent. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Missoula tends to hover between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialists in cardiovascular and neurosurgery earning between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts can yield even higher weekly rates, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac positions where demand spikes. The variety of employer settings leads to differences in pay; surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms may earn at the lower end of the spectrum compared to those in specialized surgical centers. However, many professionals weigh the benefits of lower hourly pay against health insurance options, leading to a trade-off that is common in the field. For those negotiating salaries, understanding the local market and the average rates for specialty certifications can be beneficial in securing an equitable wage.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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 Missoula. 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