Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Scottsbluff, NE: $28.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Scottsbluff, NE runs $28.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,835 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Scottsbluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,897 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Scottsbluff, Nebraska, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $28.76, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly pay bracket reflects the local economic conditions and caters to various employment settings, including hospital main operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. Part-time workers, typically those working three days a week, can expect to take home around $1,100 weekly, making this role a viable option for flexible or per diem positions, where rates range significantly based on experience and location. Entry-level surgical technologists may start at around $20.76 per hour, while those in specialized fields or with extensive experience can command up to $39.69 per hour.
About the Scottsbluff 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) | $20.76 | $166.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.94 | $207.51 |
| Median (P50) | $28.76 | $230.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.00 | $272.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.69 | $317.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scottsbluff
Based on $28.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.76/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scottsbluff, NE can expect to earn approximately $59,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,516. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scottsbluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scottsbluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.55 | $4,986 | $59,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.33 | $2,991 | $35,897 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.22 | $1,994 | $23,931 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Scottsbluff) | $28.76 |
| 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 Scottsbluff, NE earn a median of $59,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.19% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.00% below the Nebraska state average of $62,328.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.76/hr = $35,897/year (purchasing power: $39,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,828/year (purchasing power: $65,386).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Scottsbluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Scottsbluff grew 33.9% from $20.39/hr (2019) to $27.29/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.32/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 Scottsbluff 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 Scottsbluff
For part-time surgical technologists working in Scottsbluff, taking on a three-day workweek equates to an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. However, many professionals in this field find that per diem work offers attractive compensation, typically billing between $35-$55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgery potentially earning upwards of $50-$75 per hour. Travel surgical techs focusing on high-demand areas may secure weekly contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. It’s critical for surgical technologists to assess their employment type, as working in a hospital may yield lower hourly pay but provide essential benefits such as health insurance, while independent or per diem roles often come with higher pay but no added perks. Negotiating hourly rates effectively, particularly for specialty skills like robotic surgery certification, can also enhance earning potential in the Scottsbluff market.
More salary data for Scottsbluff, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Scottsbluff in 2026?
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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 Scottsbluff. 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 Scottsbluff 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