Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in New Brunswick, NJ: $37.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in New Brunswick, NJ runs $37.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,799 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against New Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,275 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Brunswick, New Jersey, the projected surgical technologist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $37.88, a rate significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This robust pay scale reflects the demand for surgical technologists in various healthcare environments such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. The hourly compensation range for this profession in New Brunswick extends from $26.39 for entry-level positions to as high as $56.37 for top earners, allowing for varied employment options. For those considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities, working three days a week can yield substantial earnings while offering flexibility in the workplace.
About the New Brunswick 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) | $26.39 | $211.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.37 | $250.94 |
| Median (P50) | $37.88 | $303.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.76 | $374.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.37 | $450.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Brunswick
Based on $37.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.88/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Brunswick, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,457. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,515.23 | $6,566 | $78,792 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $909.14 | $3,940 | $47,275 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $606.09 | $2,626 | $31,517 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (New Brunswick) | $37.88 |
| 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 New Brunswick, NJ earn a median of $78,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.64% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.40% above the New Jersey state average of $78,485.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.88/hr = $47,275/year (purchasing power: $41,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,792/year (purchasing power: $68,396).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in New Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in New Brunswick grew 33.9% from $26.85/hr (2019) to $35.94/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.93/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 New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick
Gaining a clearer picture of the earning potential highlights key distinctions in the profession. A surgical technologist working part-time, approximately 24 hours each week, could expect a solid income compared to a full-time career, thereby aligning their financial goals with personal commitments. Per diem surgical technologist pay in New Brunswick usually ranges from $35 to $55 per hour; however, specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command even higher rates between $50 and $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts can yield substantial weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, with cardiovascular positions often offering a premium. It's crucial to consider the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable positions that provide health benefits. For those entering this field, strategies for negotiation should involve awareness of prevailing rates across hospital types and specialty areas in New Brunswick, empowering surgical technologists to secure competitive compensation in their career.
More salary data for New Brunswick, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in New Brunswick in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in New Brunswick?
Are surgical technologists in New Brunswick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in New Brunswick?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in New Brunswick?
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 New Brunswick. 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 New Brunswick 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