Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $30.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in State College, PA runs $30.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,581 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, surgical technologists earn a median hourly wage of $30.11, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This compensation can shape the choices of professionals in the field, particularly those considering part-time work or per-diem positions. Working three days a week, a surgical technologist could anticipate earning an estimated $724.64 weekly, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility while working in settings such as hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers. The hourly pay ranges from $22.57 for entry-level positions to $44.65 for experienced top earners, reflecting the varied occupational landscape within State College, which may specifically impact the negotiation dynamics for newcomers who typically start at the lower end of the pay scale.
About the State College 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) | $22.57 | $180.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.01 | $208.10 |
| Median (P50) | $30.11 | $240.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.65 | $357.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $30.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.11/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $62,635 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,135. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.51 | $5,220 | $62,635 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.71 | $3,132 | $37,581 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.80 | $2,088 | $25,054 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (State College) | $30.11 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $62,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,646.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.11/hr = $37,581/year (purchasing power: $38,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,635/year (purchasing power: $64,307).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in State College grew 37.8% from $20.73/hr (2019) to $28.57/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.74/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 State College 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 State College
Part-time surgical technologists have the potential to earn distinguishably while balancing other commitments. During a typical week working 24 hours, they would take home about $37,637 annually, compared to a full-time salary which could be significantly higher. For those pursuing per-diem arrangements, the reality is more lucrative; many surgical techs bill rates between $35-$55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery reaching up to $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts amplify earnings further, often between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, particularly in areas where specialized skills like robotic surgery certification are valued. Employers ranging from ambulatory surgery centers to military units may offer varied hourly rates, leading some to prioritize health benefits over higher wages. For those navigating negotiations, understanding the local market trends and specialty pay can greatly aid in securing attractive compensation in the evolving landscape of surgical technology.
More salary data for State College, 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 State College. 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 State College 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