Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Las Cruces, NM: $31.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Las Cruces, NM runs $31.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Las Cruces's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,870 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Las Cruces, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.95, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This wage allows for significant earnings potential, especially for part-time workers or those working per diem in various settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For example, those working three days a week could expect competitive compensation while benefiting from a manageable schedule. Additionally, the hourly wage range for surgical technologists in this area spans from $22.27 for entry-level roles to as much as $47.97 for the most experienced professionals, indicating a robust pathway for salary growth within the field. It's important to realize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data projections for 2026.
About the Las Cruces Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.27 | $178.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.84 | $206.75 |
| Median (P50) | $31.95 | $255.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.42 | $315.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.97 | $383.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Las Cruces
Based on $31.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.95/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Las Cruces, NM can expect to earn approximately $66,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,336. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Las Cruces.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Las Cruces
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,277.87 | $5,537 | $66,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $766.72 | $3,322 | $39,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $511.15 | $2,215 | $26,580 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Las Cruces) | $31.95 |
| 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 Las Cruces, NM earn a median of $66,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% above the New Mexico state average of $64,335.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.95/hr = $39,870/year (purchasing power: $42,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,449/year (purchasing power: $70,391).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Las Cruces (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Las Cruces grew 33.9% from $22.64/hr (2019) to $30.31/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.67/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 Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces
Considering various work arrangements, surgical technologists in Las Cruces have distinct earning potentials whether they choose full-time, part-time, or per diem employment. Those working part-time, around 24 hours a week, can face earnings that substantially differ from full-time counterparts. Per diem surgical technologists often command between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery allowing rates from $50 to $75 per hour—significantly elevating their overall income potential. Moreover, travel surgical tech contracts may draw impressive fees ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Employment type further influences pay; for instance, roles in military or VA surgical units might offer different hourly rates compared to private-sector hospitals. Surgical technologists frequently weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against comprehensive health insurance associated with permanent positions. For those entering the market, negotiating rates based on the context of their skills and experience, especially in specialties like robotic surgery, can further impact overall salary success.
More salary data for Las Cruces, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Las Cruces in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Las Cruces?
Are surgical technologists in Las Cruces paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Las Cruces?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Las Cruces?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Mexico
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 Las Cruces. 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 Las Cruces 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