Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Salisbury, NC: $30.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Salisbury, NC runs $30.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,088 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Salisbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,857 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salisbury, North Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for a surgical technologist is set at $30.33, slightly below the national average of $32.76. This rate reflects the growing demand for surgical technologists in various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. Those working part-time, for instance three days a week, can expect to earn around $30.33 for each of their shifts, while per-diem surgical technologists can capitalized on flexible hours in high-demand areas. The hourly compensation ranges from $21.70 for entry-level positions to approximately $42.66 for seasoned professionals, indicating a diverse earning potential within the field.
About the Salisbury 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) | $21.70 | $173.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.46 | $203.72 |
| Median (P50) | $30.33 | $242.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.16 | $289.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.66 | $341.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salisbury
Based on $30.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.33/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salisbury, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,401. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Salisbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salisbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.36 | $5,258 | $63,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.02 | $3,155 | $37,857 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.35 | $2,103 | $25,238 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Salisbury) | $30.33 |
| 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 Salisbury, NC earn a median of $63,088 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.42% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $64,179.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.33/hr = $37,857/year (purchasing power: $40,445).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,095/year (purchasing power: $67,409).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salisbury grew 33.9% from $21.50/hr (2019) to $28.78/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.97/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 Salisbury 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 Salisbury
When considering the financial implications of part-time work in Salisbury, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $39,133 annually, compared to the earnings of full-time positions that are more stable but might not accommodate personal schedule preferences. Per diem surgical technologists often enjoy higher rates, charging anywhere from $35 to $55 an hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgery bringing in rates that can hit between $50 and $75. Structures such as military and VA surgical units, along with various specialty surgical centers, facilitate the broad range of hourly rates available in the region. For those seeking to negotiate pay, understanding the benefits of health insurance versus higher hourly rates becomes crucial, as some may find that accepting a lower hourly in exchange for stable benefits is more advantageous in the long run.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salisbury in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Salisbury?
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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 Salisbury. 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 Salisbury 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