Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Long Branch, NJ: $36.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Long Branch, NJ runs $36.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,591 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Long Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,960 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Branch, New Jersey, surgical technologists command a competitive hourly median pay of $36.83, significantly higher than the national average of $32.76. This elevated rate reflects the region's cost of living and the specialized skills required for this profession. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, can still expect a solid income, making surgical technology an attractive option for individuals seeking flexible schedules. The pay range for surgical technologists in Long Branch varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at $25.95 and experienced technologists earning up to $54.93. The diversity of work settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units, also allows for a breadth of earning potential that accommodates different career goals and lifestyles.
About the Long Branch 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) | $25.95 | $207.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.60 | $244.78 |
| Median (P50) | $36.83 | $294.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.73 | $365.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.93 | $439.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Branch
Based on $36.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.83/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Branch, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,600 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,192. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,473.07 | $6,383 | $76,600 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $883.84 | $3,830 | $45,960 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.23 | $2,553 | $30,640 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Long Branch) | $36.83 |
| 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 Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $76,591 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $78,474.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.83/hr = $45,960/year (purchasing power: $39,896).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,600/year (purchasing power: $66,493).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Long Branch grew 33.9% from $26.10/hr (2019) to $34.94/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.82/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 Long Branch 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 Long Branch
Specializing as a per-diem surgical technologist offers unique financial opportunities within Long Branch. Such professionals typically bill between $35-$55 per hour, depending on their experience and the urgency of the assignments. Particularly in high-demand fields, like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, per-diem technicians can earn rates as high as $50-$75 per hour. For those considering travel assignments, contracts can yield impressive earnings of $1,800-$2,800 weekly, especially for cardiac specialties. Different employer types, such as military surgical units and travel agencies, can offer varying compensation, leading to considerations of benefits versus higher hourly wages. Many surgical technologists may find trade-offs in securing health insurance while sacrificing hourly pay. When negotiating pay rates in Long Branch, it's crucial to communicate your specialty certifications, such as CST or robotic surgery qualifications, to position yourself favorably in this competitive job market, and to understand what each employer offers in terms of overall compensation and benefits.
More salary data for Long Branch, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Long Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Long Branch?
Are surgical technologists in Long Branch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Long Branch?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Long Branch?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Long Branch. 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 Long Branch 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