Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kannapolis, NC: $31.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kannapolis, NC runs $31.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kannapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,870 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kannapolis, North Carolina, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $31.15, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate provides a viable option for those considering part-time and per-diem roles, commonly found in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and other specialized facilities. A part-time surgical technologist working three days a week may see their income reflect a stable yet manageable lifestyle. The hourly pay ranges from $21.97 for entry-level positions to $45.63 for the most experienced professionals in the field. Such figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, highlighting that even entry-level positions can offer a respectable income for those entering this vital sector of healthcare in Kannapolis.
About the Kannapolis Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.97 | $175.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.99 | $207.93 |
| Median (P50) | $31.15 | $249.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.60 | $308.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.63 | $365.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kannapolis
Based on $31.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.15/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kannapolis, NC can expect to earn approximately $64,783 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,375. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kannapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kannapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.83 | $5,399 | $64,783 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.50 | $3,239 | $38,870 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.33 | $2,159 | $25,913 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kannapolis) | $31.15 |
| 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 Kannapolis, NC earn a median of $64,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% above the North Carolina state average of $64,207.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.15/hr = $38,870/year (purchasing power: $41,528).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,783/year (purchasing power: $69,213).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kannapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kannapolis grew 33.9% from $22.08/hr (2019) to $29.55/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.83/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 Kannapolis 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 Kannapolis
Many surgical technologists opting for part-time work or per-diem opportunities can enjoy flexible schedules while still capitalizing on decent earnings. Working 24 hours a week, a part-time surgical technologist could generate a take-home income that significantly supports their needs, especially compared to a full-time role. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in Kannapolis typically ranges from $35-$55 per hour, with more specialized positions in cardiovascular or neurosurgery attracting rates of $50-$75 per hour. Furthermore, travel surgical tech contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week showcase the financial allure of this profession. Those employed in hospitals may exchange a lower hourly wage for comprehensive health insurance and benefits, while other surgical technologists might choose higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively with employers in Kannapolis can enhance one’s pay; understanding the nuances between various types of surgical settings helps technicians leverage their skills and experience, particularly as certifications like CST or robotic surgery qualifications become increasingly significant.
More salary data for Kannapolis, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kannapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Kannapolis?
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How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Kannapolis?
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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 Kannapolis. 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 Kannapolis 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