Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Linden, NJ: $36.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Linden, NJ runs $36.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,853 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Linden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,118 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Linden, New Jersey, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $36.95, significantly above the national median of $32.76. This higher hourly rate reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various surgical settings, such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For part-time workers, like those clocking in three days a week, this hourly wage allows for a competitive take-home pay, particularly in a state with a cost of living index of 115.2. Entry-level surgical technologists may start around $26.26 per hour, while top earners in specialized roles can command as much as $53.00 per hour. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the financial potential of a career in surgical technology in Linden.
About the Linden 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) | $26.26 | $210.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.85 | $246.80 |
| Median (P50) | $36.95 | $295.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.71 | $357.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.00 | $423.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Linden
Based on $36.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.95/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Linden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,863 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,344. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Linden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Linden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,478.13 | $6,405 | $76,863 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $886.88 | $3,843 | $46,118 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.25 | $2,562 | $30,745 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Linden) | $36.95 |
| 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 Linden, NJ earn a median of $76,853 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.79% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $78,502.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.95/hr = $46,118/year (purchasing power: $40,033).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,863/year (purchasing power: $66,721).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Linden grew 33.9% from $26.19/hr (2019) to $35.06/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.95/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 Linden 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 Linden
Looking deeper into the earning potential of surgical technologists reveals various pathways for income generation. A surgical technologist working part-time for 24 hours each week can still bring home a substantial annual income, although it would be less than what their full-time counterparts earn. Per diem surgical technologists commonly see pay rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery able to bill up to $75 per hour. Travel surgical technologists might secure contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand areas. It's essential to recognize how hourly rates fluctuate depending on employer type: hospital operating rooms may offer stable pay with health benefits, while private and specialty centers might prioritize higher hourly wages with fewer benefits. Negotiating an appropriate hourly rate in Linden often hinges on balancing total compensation, including health insurance, against the desire for higher pay without additional perks. Understanding the nuances of these options can greatly impact a surgical technologist's career and financial outlook.
More salary data for Linden, 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 Linden. 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 Linden 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