Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Los Lunas, NM: $28.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Los Lunas, NM runs $28.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Los Lunas's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,871 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Los Lunas, NM, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $28.74, which is lower than the national median of $32.76 per hour. This hourly wage proves to be beneficial for both part-time and per-diem workers, facilitating their work in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Entry-level professionals may start at around $22.51 per hour, while more experienced surgical technologists can reach up to $40.63 per hour, reflecting a diverse pay range based on experience, skill level, and the nature of the facility. The figures accessed for the hourly rates are estimated from projected annual salary data for 2026, painting a clearer picture of earning capacity in this essential healthcare role.
About the Los Lunas 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) | $22.51 | $180.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.43 | $203.46 |
| Median (P50) | $28.74 | $229.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.57 | $276.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.63 | $325.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Lunas
Based on $28.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.74/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Lunas, NM can expect to earn approximately $59,785 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,491. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Los Lunas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Lunas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,149.70 | $4,982 | $59,785 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $689.82 | $2,989 | $35,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.88 | $1,993 | $23,914 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Los Lunas) | $28.74 |
| 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 Los Lunas, NM earn a median of $59,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.26% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.10% below the New Mexico state average of $64,355.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.74/hr = $35,871/year (purchasing power: $37,999).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,785/year (purchasing power: $63,331).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Los Lunas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Los Lunas grew 33.9% from $20.37/hr (2019) to $27.27/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.29/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 Los Lunas 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 Los Lunas
For surgical technologists working part-time, specifically those on a three-day workweek schedule totaling 24 hours, the annual income can vary significantly compared to full-time positions. A part-time surgical technologist in Los Lunas may bring home a salary substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, but they can choose to pursue per-diem opportunities for potentially higher hourly pay. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Los Lunas typically falls between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel agreements can be lucrative, offering contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. However, working in different settings—such as military or VA surgical units—may yield varying hourly rates. Those who favor higher wages may opt for positions without benefits, while others may choose lower-paying roles that include comprehensive health insurance. Surgical technologists looking to negotiate their rates should consider local market demands, skill specialties, and the accreditation of their training through organizations like AST and NBSTSA, which could give them leverage in discussions with potential employers in the Los Lunas area.
More salary data for Los Lunas, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Los Lunas in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Los Lunas?
Are surgical technologists in Los Lunas paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Los Lunas?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Los Lunas?
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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 Los Lunas. 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 Los Lunas 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