Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Ithaca, NY: $39.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Ithaca, NY runs $39.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Ithaca's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,169 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ithaca, New York, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $39.40 for 2026, a significant 20.28% increase compared to the national hourly median of $32.76. This attractive rate offers part-time workers, typically those on a three-day work schedule, the potential to earn strong per-hour compensation within various health care settings like hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. The hourly pay range in the region spans from $29.44 for entry-level positions to $45.65 for experienced top earners, making it a financially viable option for both full-time and per-diem professionals. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates, specifically gathered from 2025 and projected to 2026, reflecting a healthy demand for surgical technologists in the area.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.44 | $235.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.75 | $309.96 |
| Median (P50) | $39.40 | $315.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.87 | $318.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.65 | $365.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ithaca
Based on $39.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.40/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ithaca, NY can expect to earn approximately $81,949 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,278. With a cost-of-living index of 103.32 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ithaca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ithaca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,575.94 | $6,829 | $81,949 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $945.56 | $4,097 | $49,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.38 | $2,732 | $32,780 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Ithaca) | $39.40 |
| 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 Ithaca, NY earn a median of $81,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.28% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 11.50% above the New York state average of $73,506.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.40/hr = $49,169/year (purchasing power: $47,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,949/year (purchasing power: $79,318).
CoL index: 103.317 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Ithaca grew 33.9% from $27.93/hr (2019) to $37.38/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.53/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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca
When considering part-time employment as a surgical technologist at 24 hours per week, one could anticipate an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, though the flexible schedule may appeal to many. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Ithaca allows for a wider earning potential, with rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, and specialty positions, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, offering premiums that can reach $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts further elevate earnings, with weekly compensation between $1,800 and $2,800, particularly for high-demand areas like cardiac surgery. Hourly rates fluctuate among different employer types in Ithaca, often being lower for full-time roles that come with benefits, such as health insurance, compared to higher per-hour wages found in agency work. Surgical technologists should consider negotiating rates based on their skill set and specialization while remaining aware of the local market conditions to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
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 Ithaca. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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