Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, NJ: $36.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Berkeley, NJ runs $36.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,902 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, NJ, the surgical technologist hourly pay is estimated at $36.97, which exceeds the national hourly median of $32.76 by a noteworthy margin. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as three days per week, this pay translates to a skilled income, making surgical technology appealing in local hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Entry-level surgical technologists might earn around $26.15 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $55.45 per hour in high-demand areas. This promising hourly range opens doors to lucrative per-diem roles as well, giving techs flexibility in their work schedules while ensuring they are compensated fairly according to their expertise.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.15 | $209.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.90 | $247.23 |
| Median (P50) | $36.97 | $295.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.91 | $351.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.45 | $443.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $36.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.97/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,907 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,369. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,478.97 | $6,409 | $76,907 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $887.38 | $3,845 | $46,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.59 | $2,564 | $30,763 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Berkeley) | $36.97 |
| 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 Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $76,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $78,471.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.97/hr = $46,144/year (purchasing power: $40,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,907/year (purchasing power: $66,759).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Berkeley grew 33.9% from $26.21/hr (2019) to $35.08/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.97/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
For surgical technologists weighing part-time versus full-time options, the financial implications are significant. A part-time worker operating three days a week, or a total of 24 hours, could pocket approximately $46,211 annually, whereas full-time employees would have a markedly different earning potential. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Berkeley sees a variety of rates, typically between $35-$55 per hour depending on the role, with specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery attracting even higher compensation in the $50-$75/hour range. Those choosing to work for travel surgical tech agencies might see contracts worth $1,800 to $2,800 per week, capitalizing on the demand in areas such as cardiothoracic surgery. Different employer types—ranging from hospital operating rooms to military surgical units—offer varying rates, which often reflect a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits versus steady employment with comprehensive health insurance packages. For those in the field, negotiating salary involves understanding local market values and leveraging certification credentials to increase earning power effectively in Berkeley's competitive environment.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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