Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Harrisburg, PA: $31.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Harrisburg, PA runs $31.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,063 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Harrisburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.7, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,041 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $31.28 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly wage of $32.76. For those working part-time, such as three days per week, this rate translates into a stable income while providing flexibility in scheduling. Per-diem workers can also find opportunities in various settings including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units, where the pay can fluctuate considerably. The range for surgical technologists in Harrisburg spans from $22.71 for entry-level positions to $38.51 for experienced professionals in high-demand specialties, reflecting the competitive nature of this career and the importance of skills such as robotic surgery certification and expertise in cardiovascular procedures, which can significantly enhance earning potential.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.71 | $181.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.49 | $195.96 |
| Median (P50) | $31.28 | $250.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.92 | $287.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.51 | $308.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harrisburg
Based on $31.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.28/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harrisburg, PA can expect to earn approximately $65,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,539. With a cost-of-living index of 98.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harrisburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harrisburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.31 | $5,422 | $65,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.79 | $3,253 | $39,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.52 | $2,169 | $26,027 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Harrisburg) | $31.28 |
| 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 Harrisburg, PA earn a median of $65,063 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,654.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.28/hr = $39,041/year (purchasing power: $39,575).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,068/year (purchasing power: $65,958).
CoL index: 98.65 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Harrisburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Harrisburg grew 33.9% from $22.17/hr (2019) to $29.68/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.97/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 Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg
When considering part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week might take home around $37,131 annually based on the projected 2026 hourly rate. This is a notable difference from full-time earnings, which would be higher, emphasizing the importance of full-time positions for those seeking greater financial stability. Per diem surgical technologists in Harrisburg typically command between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgery often reaching $50 to $75 hourly. It is also common for travel surgical tech contracts to offer competitive weekly pay rates between $1,800 and $2,800, particularly for cardiovascular specialties. In Harrisburg, hourly rates vary by employer type, with hospitals usually offering comprehensive benefits, while ambulatory centers or travel assignments might provide higher pay without added benefits. Negotiating rates can also be advantageous; those seeking employment can sometimes trade off hourly pay for health insurance coverage or job stability. An understanding of the local job market, including staffing needs and employer preferences, can provide surgical technologists with an edge in securing favorable positions.
More salary data for Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg. 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, 4-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