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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bismarck
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.95/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 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.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 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