Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $30.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kernersville, NC runs $30.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,611 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Kernersville, NC, earn a median hourly rate of $30.59, which falls short when compared to the national median of $32.76. This difference highlights viable options for part-time and per-diem workers looking for flexible scheduling within various surgical settings, such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For individuals just starting in the field, entry-level hourly pay starts at around $22.34, while more experienced technicians can earn up to $44.67. It’s essential to understand that these hourly rates are projected estimates based on annual salary data and indicate the earning potential available to surgical technologists in Kernersville as they grow in experience and expertise.
About the Kernersville 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) | $22.34 | $178.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.99 | $207.93 |
| Median (P50) | $30.59 | $244.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.40 | $299.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.67 | $357.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $30.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.59/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,621 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,704. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,223.48 | $5,302 | $63,621 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $734.09 | $3,181 | $38,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $489.39 | $2,121 | $25,448 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kernersville) | $30.59 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $63,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.65% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $64,189.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.59/hr = $38,173/year (purchasing power: $40,783).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,621/year (purchasing power: $67,971).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kernersville grew 33.9% from $21.68/hr (2019) to $29.02/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.24/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
Considering a part-time surgical technologist working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can lead to an annual net income of approximately $38,200, significantly lower than what full-time counterparts earn. Many surgical technologists are increasingly engaging in per diem roles, often billing between $35-$55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery commanding rates of $50-$75 per hour. Moreover, travel surgical technologist contracts in Kernersville can offer lucrative weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. This variance in pay often hinges on the type of employer—hospitals generally provide steady hourly pay complemented by health benefits, while specialized centers or per diem opportunities might offer higher rates without accompanying benefits. Ultimately, successful negotiations for hourly positions often reflect one's specialty skills, certifications in robotic surgery, and an understanding of local pay trends.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Kernersville?
Are surgical technologists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Kernersville?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
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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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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