Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $30.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Durham, NC runs $30.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.6, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,331 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Durham, North Carolina, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $30.71 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate presents a viable opportunity for both part-time professionals and those working on a per diem basis, particularly in settings like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. The hourly wage range for surgical technologists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $20.25 an hour, while top earners can make up to $41.63. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the dynamic nature of the surgical technology field in Durham.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.25 | $161.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.20 | $201.61 |
| Median (P50) | $30.71 | $245.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.72 | $277.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.63 | $333.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $30.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.71/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,884 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,856. With a cost-of-living index of 97.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,228.54 | $5,324 | $63,884 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.13 | $3,194 | $38,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.42 | $2,129 | $25,554 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Durham) | $30.71 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $63,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.50% below the North Carolina state average of $64,204.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.71/hr = $38,331/year (purchasing power: $39,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,884/year (purchasing power: $65,474).
CoL index: 97.572 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Durham grew 27.6% from $22.83/hr (2019) to $29.14/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.37/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 Durham 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 Durham
When considering part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, can expect to take home approximately $38,425 annually, which is a substantial income compared to full-time positions. Additionally, per diem surgical technologists can charge between $35 and $55 per hour for standard assignments, while specialty roles, such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery, can command rates as high as $50 to $75 hourly. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, with weekly pay reaching $1,800 to $2,800, depending on the specialty. Hourly rates vary significantly across different employer types in Durham; facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers and the military may offer different compensation structures. It's also crucial to consider benefits—some surgical technologists choose to accept lower hourly rates for the stability of health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, professionals in Durham should highlight specific skills, such as robotic surgery certification, which can make a notable difference in their compensation package.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
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 Durham. 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, 5-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