Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Summit, NJ: $35.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Summit, NJ runs $35.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,154 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Summit's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summit, New Jersey, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $35.17, well above the national median of $32.76. This promising rate reflects the local demand for skilled professionals working in diverse environments such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Entry-level technicians may start around $27.71 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates up to $49.89, indicating a robust earning potential across the experience spectrum. With surgical techniques evolving and the rise of robotic-assisted surgeries, a certified surgical technologist will find ample opportunities and competitive pay in Summit, NJ. Hourly rates are informed by annual salary projections, ensuring these figures offer an accurate depiction of the current landscape.
About the Summit 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) | $27.71 | $221.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.23 | $249.84 |
| Median (P50) | $35.17 | $281.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.11 | $328.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.89 | $399.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summit
Based on $35.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.17/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summit, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,206. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Summit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,406.88 | $6,096 | $73,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $844.13 | $3,658 | $43,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $562.75 | $2,439 | $29,263 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Summit) | $35.17 |
| 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 Summit, NJ earn a median of $73,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.36% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 6.80% below the New Jersey state average of $78,491.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.17/hr = $43,895/year (purchasing power: $38,103).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,158/year (purchasing power: $63,505).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Summit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Summit grew 33.9% from $24.93/hr (2019) to $33.37/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.07/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 Summit 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 Summit
Focusing on part-time work, a surgical technologist on a 3-day workweek could expect to earn approximately $43,000 annually, providing a flexible income without the commitment of full-time hours. Per-diem roles can enhance earning potential considerably, with hourly rates ranging from $35 to $55, while specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery see rates soar from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can be particularly lucrative, with weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. In Summit, the context of the employer also plays a significant role; surgical technologists in the military or trauma OR suites might experience different pay scales compared to those in outpatient settings. While some professionals opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others prefer stability and health insurance that full-time positions offer. Effective negotiation is vital; understanding the local demand and employing it when discussing compensation can lead to better pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Summit, 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 Summit. 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 Summit 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