Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Edison, NJ: $37.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Edison, NJ runs $37.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Edison's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,473 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Edison, New Jersey, surgical technologists command a competitive hourly pay of $37.24, surpassing the national median of $32.76. This elevated hourly rate is advantageous for both part-time and per-diem workers who frequently find themselves in dynamic settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Entry-level surgical technologists typically start at approximately $26.19 per hour, while those reaching the 90th percentile can earn up to $57.51 per hour. These figures reflect the ongoing demand for trained professionals in the field, driven partly by the surgical technology standards established by the AST and NBSTSA, which emphasize the importance of CAAHEP-accredited programs and certifications like the CST.
About the Edison 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) | $26.19 | $209.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.10 | $248.83 |
| Median (P50) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.00 | $375.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.51 | $460.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edison
Based on $37.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.24/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edison, NJ can expect to earn approximately $77,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,685. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.51 | $6,455 | $77,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.71 | $3,873 | $46,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.81 | $2,582 | $30,982 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Edison) | $37.24 |
| 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 Edison, NJ earn a median of $77,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.67% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $78,474.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.24/hr = $46,473/year (purchasing power: $40,341).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,455/year (purchasing power: $67,235).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Edison grew 33.9% from $26.40/hr (2019) to $35.33/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.25/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 Edison 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 Edison
For part-time positions, a surgical technologist working three days a week, or about 24 hours, can expect to earn around $46,953 annually, compared to full-time workers who may see higher returns due to consistent hours. The per diem surgical technologist pay in Edison typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized fields, like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, often commanding rates between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts offer even more lucrative opportunities, with earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, enticing many professionals to seek placements that balance higher pay with personal preferences. Different employers, such as local hospitals, ambulatory centers, and specialty surgical facilities, often reflect a variety of hourly rates based on benefits and job security; those willing to forgo insurance typically earn more per hour. Negotiation tactics are equally critical in Edison, where understanding the unique pay structures of various settings can empower surgical technologists to secure more favorable terms in their compensation packages.
More salary data for Edison, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Edison 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 Edison. 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 Edison 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