Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $27.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Norfolk, NE runs $27.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,067 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, the projected hourly pay for surgical technologists in 2026 stands at $27.92. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.76, which may impact those seeking positions in local healthcare facilities. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this payment structure allows for flexible schedules while still providing a reliable income. Per-diem surgical technologists also face variability, typically charging between $21.84 and $39.57 per hour depending on their experience and the setting in which they work, whether in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical environments. Entry-level positions start around $21.84, while top earners can achieve hourly rates as high as $39.57, usually reserved for those with specialized skills or extensive experience.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.84 | $174.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.77 | $198.15 |
| Median (P50) | $27.92 | $223.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.64 | $269.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.57 | $316.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $27.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.92/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, NE can expect to earn approximately $58,075 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,505. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,116.82 | $4,840 | $58,075 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.09 | $2,904 | $34,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.73 | $1,936 | $23,230 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Norfolk) | $27.92 |
| 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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $58,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $62,371.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.92/hr = $34,845/year (purchasing power: $38,082).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,075/year (purchasing power: $63,469).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Norfolk grew 33.9% from $19.79/hr (2019) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.43/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For surgical technologists considering a part-time role in Norfolk, working 24 hours weekly at the projected hourly rate can lead to an annual take-home pay of approximately $34,000. This contrasts sharply with full-time colleagues, who may earn more substantial salaries but may give up scheduling flexibility. The landscape of per diem opportunities is particularly lucrative; surgical techs frequently bill $35 to $55 per hour for standard cases, and specialty roles, especially in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Agencies often provide additional benefits for travel roles, with some contracts yielding between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. While hospital settings usually provide more stability and health benefits, those willing to trade a lower hourly rate for insurance coverage might find a fulfilling balance. Surgical technologists in Norfolk should arm themselves with detailed insights about pay scales and negotiate effectively to suit their career and financial goals.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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