Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $29.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in South Valley, NM runs $29.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Valley, New Mexico, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $29.94 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.76. This hourly rate presents an attractive opportunity for part-time professionals who typically work a three-day week, allowing them to maintain a work-life balance while earning a consistent income. Per-diem surgical technologists, who provide crucial support on an as-needed basis, can expect varied compensation depending on the facility and specialization. In South Valley, the hourly pay for surgical technologists ranges from $20.73 for entry-level positions to $44.16 for the most experienced professionals. These figures highlight the flexibility of the profession, allowing workers in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units the chance to tailor their work schedules to fit their lifestyles.
About the South Valley 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) | $20.73 | $165.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.43 | $211.47 |
| Median (P50) | $29.94 | $239.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.97 | $295.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.16 | $353.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $29.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.94/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $62,284 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,933. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.77 | $5,190 | $62,284 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.66 | $3,114 | $37,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.11 | $2,076 | $24,914 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (South Valley) | $29.94 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $62,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $64,353.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.94/hr = $37,370/year (purchasing power: $39,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,284/year (purchasing power: $65,979).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in South Valley grew 33.9% from $21.23/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.56/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 South Valley 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 South Valley
Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week at 24 hours would earn about $62,294 annually, reflecting a solid income for those who wish to balance their careers with other personal obligations. Per-diem surgical technologists often enjoy the freedom of flexible schedules and the potential for higher pay; they can bill between $35 and $55 an hour on average, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery potentially reaching $50 to $75 an hour. Travel surgical technologist contracts can be lucrative as well, with weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for cardiac specialties that command premium pay. Different employer types in South Valley, such as hospitals and specialty surgical centers, can influence hourly rates, with some openings offering lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. By negotiating effectively, especially for those considering agency positions, surgical technologists can optimize their hourly pay South Valley while assessing their employment preferences and benefits package trade-offs.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in South Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in South Valley?
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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 South Valley. 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 South Valley 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