Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $32.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Bethlehem, PA runs $32.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,209 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,330 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the projected median hourly pay for surgical technologists is $32.32, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This competitive hourly rate can significantly benefit those in both part-time and per-diem roles, which are commonly found in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For part-time surgical technologists working three days a week, they can expect to earn a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly pay range for this profession stretches from approximately $22.91 at the entry-level to an impressive $47.66 for highly experienced professionals. Hourly rates are often derived from annual salary data, thus reflecting the earning potential while also factoring in the varied nature of surgical environments.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.91 | $183.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.15 | $217.21 |
| Median (P50) | $32.32 | $258.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.52 | $316.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.66 | $381.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $32.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.32/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $67,217 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,779. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,292.63 | $5,601 | $67,217 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $775.58 | $3,361 | $40,330 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.05 | $2,241 | $26,887 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Bethlehem) | $32.32 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $67,209 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.37% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.30% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,698.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.32/hr = $40,330/year (purchasing power: $41,406).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,217/year (purchasing power: $69,011).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bethlehem grew 33.9% from $22.91/hr (2019) to $30.66/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.06/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
Earning potential for part-time surgical technologists in Bethlehem is appealing, with a three-day workweek translating to around $48,000 annually, while full-timers can anticipate higher figures. Per-diem surgical technologists often command rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery yielding even higher compensation, sometimes reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can push earnings even higher, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer; for example, positions in hospital operating rooms may offer stability but often come with lower hourly pay, while specialty centers may provide higher rates with fewer benefits. Surgical technologists in Bethlehem might negotiate based on work-life balance, accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, which creates a unique dynamic in the profession. By considering these factors, surgical techs can effectively navigate their career paths to align with their personal and financial goals.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bethlehem in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Bethlehem?
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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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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