Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Omaha, NE: $32.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Omaha, NE runs $32.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,563 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Omaha's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,132 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in Omaha, NE, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $32.96, a figure that slightly exceeds the national median of $32.76. This competitive hourly pay is significant for those considering part-time positions, which typically involve working three days a week. Part-time surgical technologists can work in various settings, including hospital main operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. The hourly pay range for this occupation in Omaha varies, with entry-level positions starting at around $25.93 and experienced technologists earning as much as $42.46 per hour, reflecting the vital role they play in the surgical environment. All figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.93 | $207.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.76 | $246.05 |
| Median (P50) | $32.96 | $263.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.96 | $311.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.46 | $339.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Omaha
Based on $32.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.96/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Omaha, NE can expect to earn approximately $68,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,550. With a cost-of-living index of 91.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Omaha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Omaha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,318.34 | $5,713 | $68,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $791.01 | $3,428 | $41,132 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $527.34 | $2,285 | $27,422 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Omaha) | $32.96 |
| 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 Omaha, NE earn a median of $68,563 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.62% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 10.00% above the Nebraska state average of $62,330.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.96/hr = $41,132/year (purchasing power: $44,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,554/year (purchasing power: $74,587).
CoL index: 91.911 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Omaha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Omaha grew 35.0% from $23.16/hr (2019) to $31.27/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.74/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 Omaha 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 Omaha
For surgical technologists working part-time in Omaha, averaging 24 hours per week, the annual income can significantly differ from their full-time colleagues. On this schedule, they might expect to take home around $40,000 annually, in contrast to full-time workers earning upwards of $68,563. Many professionals in this field also explore per diem opportunities, which commonly offer rates between $35 to $55 per hour, with specialty areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding even higher rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical technologists can find lucrative contracts, gaining pay that ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand surgical specialties. In Omaha, hourly rates can fluctuate across employer types — hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and military units each present different compensation structures. Benefits often dictate where technologists choose to work; some may be willing to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive health insurance. Negotiating for higher pay, especially for agencies or travel contracts, can be advantageous for those skilled in specific surgical areas, such as robotic surgery techniques.
More salary data for Omaha, NE:
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 Omaha. 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