Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $37.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Clifton, NJ runs $37.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Clifton, NJ, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.04, which significantly surpasses the national median of $32.76. This robust hourly pay reflects the specialized skills required in various surgical settings, including main operating rooms at hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. Entry-level surgical technologists typically start around $27.43 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $57.24 per hour. For part-time workers, typically scheduled three days a week, this rate translates to a competitive income, while per-diem opportunities also provide an attractive option for flexibility and varying pay scales, as many per-diem surgical technologists bill based on their specialized skills and experience. These figures are projections for 2026, derived from the annual salary data provided.
About the Clifton 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) | $27.43 | $219.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.88 | $255.07 |
| Median (P50) | $37.04 | $296.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.66 | $357.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.24 | $457.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $37.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.04/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $77,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,445. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,481.50 | $6,420 | $77,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $888.90 | $3,852 | $46,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $592.60 | $2,568 | $30,815 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Clifton) | $37.04 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $77,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $78,538.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.04/hr = $46,223/year (purchasing power: $40,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,038/year (purchasing power: $66,873).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Clifton grew 33.9% from $26.25/hr (2019) to $35.14/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.04/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
When considering the part-time potential for surgical technologists, those working 24 hours a week can still achieve substantial earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Part-time workers might take home upwards of $49,000 annually, depending on their hourly engagement, while per-diem workers in Clifton might find themselves earning between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized fields such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery offering rates that can reach $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical technologist contracts can yield a weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer; for instance, hospitals may provide stable benefits but lower hourly rates compared to agencies that offer higher pay without benefits. Surgical technologists must strategically negotiate their hourly pay, considering the trade-offs between higher wages and essential benefits like health insurance. Understanding these nuances in surgical technologist hourly pay in Clifton reinforces the importance of thorough research and preparation when entering salary discussions.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Clifton 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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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