Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Scranton, PA: $31.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Scranton, PA runs $31.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Scranton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at an estimated $31.92 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma operating suites. The hourly wage reflects the entry-level and experienced range, with rates spanning from $22.59 for those starting in the field to $46.85 for top earners in Scranton. Such figures provide a useful framework for aspiring surgical technologists evaluating their potential earnings in this growing profession.
About the Scranton 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) | $22.59 | $180.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.69 | $213.50 |
| Median (P50) | $31.92 | $255.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.90 | $311.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.85 | $374.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scranton
Based on $31.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.92/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scranton, PA can expect to earn approximately $66,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,298. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scranton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scranton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,276.60 | $5,532 | $66,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.96 | $3,319 | $39,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.64 | $2,213 | $26,553 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Scranton) | $31.92 |
| 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 Scranton, PA earn a median of $66,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.59% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $65,656.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.92/hr = $39,830/year (purchasing power: $40,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,383/year (purchasing power: $68,155).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Scranton grew 39.3% from $21.74/hr (2019) to $30.28/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.64/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 Scranton 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 Scranton
Examining part-time options, a surgical technologist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect an annual income of approximately $39,878, which contrasts sharply with those in full-time positions. Those opting for per-diem or agency roles often find themselves billing at rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialists in cardiovascular and neurosurgery achieving pay rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts add another dimension, with earnings reaching $1,800 to $2,800 a week, particularly in cardiac specialties. Additionally, hourly rates can vary widely depending on the type of employer; hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and military units may offer different compensation packages. As some surgical technologists might choose lower-paying positions for better benefits, practical negotiation strategies can be crucial. Understanding the local salary context can empower candidates to secure an advantageous hourly rate as they enter the workforce in Scranton, PA.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Scranton in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Scranton?
Are surgical technologists in Scranton paid hourly or salary?
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Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Scranton?
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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 Scranton. 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 Scranton 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