Surg Tech Salary

Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Bismarck, ND: $31.26 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Bismarck, ND runs $31.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Bismarck's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,015 per year.

$65,021
Median Annual Salary
$31.26/hr
Hourly Rate
$53,828
Entry Level (P10)
$72,905
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Surgical Technologist Hourly Rate in Bismarck, ND — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bismarck, ND surgical technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Bismarck, ND, the surgical technologist hourly pay reaches a median rate of $31.26, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay scale presents a meaningful opportunity for both full-time and part-time technicians. For those working three days a week, the pay remains attractive in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $25.88 per hour, while the most experienced practitioners may command up to $35.06 per hour. Officially sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, these figures paint a positive picture for individuals considering a career in surgical technology in Bismarck.

Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$25.88$207.01
Lower Range (P25)$25.93$207.43
Median (P50)$31.26$250.09
Upper Range (P75)$32.84$262.74
Top Earners (P90)$35.06$280.45

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bismarck

Based on $31.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a surgical technologist in Bismarck earning $31.26/hr would make approximately $37,514 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $65,024 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$37,514Reduced (32 hr/wk)$50,019Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$65,024

At $31.26/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bismarck, ND can expect to earn approximately $65,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,514. With a cost-of-living index of 91.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bismarck.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$250.09
per 8hr shift
$1,250.47
per week
$5,419
per month
$65,024
per year

Schedule Comparison in Bismarck

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,250.47$5,419$65,024
Part-Time (24 hrs)$750.28$3,251$39,015
Per Diem (16 hrs)$500.19$2,167$26,010

Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Surgical Technologist (Bismarck)$31.26
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing surgical technologist median salary in Bismarck ($65,021) with North Dakota average ($62,701) and the US national median ($68,141).Bismarck$65,021North Dakota Avg$62,701+3.70%US National$68,141-4.58%

Surgical Technologists in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $65,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.58% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.70% above the North Dakota state average of $62,701.

Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $31.26/hr = $39,015/year (purchasing power: $42,862).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,024/year (purchasing power: $71,436).

CoL index: 91.024 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$24.14/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$29.66/hr

2026 Current Est.

$31.26/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+36.5%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bismarck (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for surgical technologists in Bismarck. Baseline $24.14/hr in 2025, projected to $32.95/hr by 2027.$21$25$28$31$352019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$24.14$27.04$23.23$24.73$30.27$29.97$29.66$31.26$32.95
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$24.14/hrActual
2020$27.04/hrActual
2021$23.23/hrActual
2022$24.73/hrActual
2023$30.27/hrActual
2024$29.97/hrActual
2025$29.66/hrActual
2026(current)$31.26/hrEstimated
2027$32.95/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bismarck grew 22.9% from $24.14/hr (2019) to $29.66/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.95/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Bismarck

When evaluating part-time work, a surgical technologist at Bismarck can expect to earn a steady income even when working only 24 hours per week, significantly supplementing their annual earnings compared to those opting for full-time roles. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Bismarck ranges broadly, typically billing $35-$55 per hour, with those in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neuro specialties earning between $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts present even more lucrative opportunities, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for roles in high-demand specialties such as cardiac surgery. Hourly rates fluctuate across various employer types in Bismarck, including military and VA surgical units, which can influence overall compensation. Some surgical technologists opt to accept lower pay for full-time roles that offer health insurance, while others may pursue higher pay rates through agency positions without benefits. Effective negotiation is crucial for hourly workers; understanding the local pay landscape and being prepared to discuss specialization can help candidates secure the best possible terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bismarck in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bismarck is $31.26/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.40% annual growth). Rates range from $25.88 at entry level (10th percentile) to $35.06 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 4.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Bismarck?

A part-time surgical technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Bismarck earns approximately $3,251/month, or $39,015/year at the median hourly rate of $31.26. Many surgical technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are surgical technologists in Bismarck paid hourly or salary?

The majority of surgical technologists in Bismarck are paid hourly at a median rate of $31.26/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $65,024/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Bismarck?

A full-time surgical technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Bismarck earns approximately $65,024/year at the median hourly rate of $31.26. This is 4.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $72,917/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bismarck?

Part-time and per diem surgical technologists in Bismarck sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $35.06/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Dakota

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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 Bismarck. 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, 7-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

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