Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Allentown, PA: $31.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Allentown, PA runs $31.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Allentown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,370 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Allentown, Pennsylvania, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.55, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This competitive rate reflects the important role surgical technologists play in various healthcare settings, from bustling hospital operating rooms to specialty surgical centers. For those in part-time positions working three days a week, this hourly pay can provide a robust alternative to full-time work, while per diem options allow for flexible schedules. The hourly pay range varies significantly, from entry-level positions at $24.51 to experienced professionals earning up to $38.02. Such data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS information, highlights the financial landscape for surgical technologists in Allentown.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.51 | $196.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.01 | $200.09 |
| Median (P50) | $31.55 | $252.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.18 | $289.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.02 | $304.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Allentown
Based on $31.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.55/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Allentown, PA can expect to earn approximately $65,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,855. With a cost-of-living index of 99.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Allentown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Allentown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.85 | $5,468 | $65,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.11 | $3,281 | $39,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.74 | $2,187 | $26,246 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Allentown) | $31.55 |
| 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 Allentown, PA earn a median of $65,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.71% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,677.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.55/hr = $39,370/year (purchasing power: $39,382).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,616/year (purchasing power: $65,637).
CoL index: 99.968 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Allentown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Allentown grew 39.3% from $21.49/hr (2019) to $29.93/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.25/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 Allentown 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 Allentown
Part-time surgical technologists working an average of 24 hours weekly can anticipate a different financial experience compared to their full-time peers, with annual earnings considerably lower than those in full-time roles. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Allentown remains appealing, often ranging between $35 and $55 per hour, especially for those in high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where rates can reach between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical technologists may find lucrative opportunities, with contracts yielding $1,800 to $2,800 per week. However, earnings can fluctuate based on the type of employer, with hospitals typically offering more stable hourly rates compared to ambulatories or specialty centers. Surgical technologists may also face the dilemma of choosing between higher hourly wages without benefits or more stable positions with health insurance. For negotiation, understanding the local market and emphasizing experience and certification can lead to more favorable pay discussions in Allentown’s surgical technologist job market.
More salary data for Allentown, PA:
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 Allentown. 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, 6-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