Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Erie, PA: $30.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Erie, PA runs $30.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,225 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Erie, Pennsylvania, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $30.63, notably lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly wage is significant for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing them to maintain a work-life balance while pursuing careers in various settings such as hospital main operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. The hourly pay range in Erie reflects entry-level positions starting at approximately $23.69 per hour, with experienced surgical technologists earning up to $37.58 per hour. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting the local demand and the potential for surgical techs to contribute meaningfully to healthcare teams.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.69 | $189.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.05 | $192.42 |
| Median (P50) | $30.63 | $245.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.94 | $255.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.58 | $300.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $30.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.63/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, PA can expect to earn approximately $63,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,755. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.17 | $5,309 | $63,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.10 | $3,185 | $38,225 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.07 | $2,124 | $25,484 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Erie) | $30.63 |
| 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 Erie, PA earn a median of $63,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,674.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.63/hr = $38,225/year (purchasing power: $42,029).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,709/year (purchasing power: $70,048).
CoL index: 90.95 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Erie grew 50.8% from $19.27/hr (2019) to $29.06/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.28/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 Erie 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 Erie
When examining the part-time earning potential for surgical technologists in Erie, those working a 24-hour week can expect to earn considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. The reality for per-diem surgical technologist pay in Erie often sees professionals billing hourly rates between $35 and $55, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery offering rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, adding an attractive option for those willing to work in different locales. The hourly rates for surgical technologists may vary according to their work environment—hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, or military units—resulting in differing compensation structures. Some professionals opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. For negotiations, it's advisable to leverage specialized certifications and experience levels to secure competitive rates, particularly in the evolving landscape of surgical technology in Erie, PA.
More salary data for Erie, 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 Erie. 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