Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Middletown, NJ: $37.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Middletown, NJ runs $37.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,281 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,368 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, NJ, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $37.15, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This elevated rate reflects not only the local demand for surgical techs in various medical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers but also the increased cost of living in the area, which is indexed at 115.2. For surgical technologists, this means that even part-time workers averaging three days a week can take advantage of a competitive pay structure, with entry-level hourly rates starting around $27.69 and top earners in the profession accruing up to $53.93 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a well-grounded perspective on what surgical technologists can expect to earn on an hourly basis in 2026.
About the Middletown 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) | $27.69 | $221.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.13 | $257.01 |
| Median (P50) | $37.15 | $297.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.93 | $359.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.93 | $431.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $37.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.15/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, NJ can expect to earn approximately $77,279 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,584. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,486.14 | $6,440 | $77,279 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $891.68 | $3,864 | $46,368 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.46 | $2,576 | $30,912 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Middletown) | $37.15 |
| 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 Middletown, NJ earn a median of $77,281 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the New Jersey state average of $78,538.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.15/hr = $46,368/year (purchasing power: $40,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,279/year (purchasing power: $67,083).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Middletown grew 33.9% from $26.34/hr (2019) to $35.25/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.16/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
When considering part-time work, a surgical technologist employed three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income, translating their hourly wage into a notable annual sum even without working full-time hours. Many choose per-diem or agency positions for flexibility and higher earning potential, typically billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with those in specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery often earning significantly more, up to $75 per hour. Furthermore, travel surgical tech contracts can offer weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially in high-demand surgical settings. Employers such as hospitals, ambulatory centers, and military units each have their own hourly pay scales, often influenced by benefits offered. Some surgical technologists may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while others might prefer higher wages without such perks. Negotiating effectively is critical, especially in Middletown's competitive environment, where the right mix of experience and specialty credentials can lead to lucrative hourly opportunities.
More salary data for Middletown, 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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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