Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Mayaguez, PR: $15.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Mayaguez, PR runs $15.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $32,885 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,731 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Mayaguez, PR, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $15.81, which falls well below the national median of $32.76. This disparity highlights the unique economic conditions within the territory. For those working part-time, such as on a schedule of three days per week, the earnings may fit well for those prioritizing work-life balance or pursuing further education in surgical technology. Per-diem surgical technologists in the region, operating in settings like hospital main operating rooms or specialty surgical centers, can expect to see a pay range from $12.27 to $24.77, depending on their experience and specific roles, but may find more lucrative opportunities in higher-demand areas such as trauma or robotic surgery suites. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS figures and projected for 2026, indicates the hourly landscape surgical techs navigate in Mayaguez.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.27 | $98.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.02 | $112.15 |
| Median (P50) | $15.81 | $126.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.77 | $198.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.77 | $198.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mayaguez
Based on $15.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.81/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mayaguez, PR can expect to earn approximately $32,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,972.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mayaguez
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $632.40 | $2,740 | $32,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $379.44 | $1,644 | $19,731 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $252.96 | $1,096 | $13,154 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Mayaguez) | $15.81 |
| 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 Mayaguez, PR earn a median of $32,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.74% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 35.70% below the Puerto Rico state average of $51,143.
2019 BLS Actual
$8.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+86.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Mayaguez (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $8.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $8.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $8.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $9.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $9.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $11.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Mayaguez grew 68.0% from $8.93/hr (2019) to $15.00/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.66/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 Mayaguez 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 Mayaguez
When examining the income potential for a surgical technologist working part-time, those on a three-day schedule can anticipate earnings significantly less than full-time counterparts. Annually, a 24-hour work schedule translates to a modest take-home income compared to a full-time commitment, where per diem work can provide a notable alternative. Many per-diem positions bill between $35-$55 per hour, with specialized areas in cardiovascular and neuro surgery fetching $50-$75 per hour. Contract positions, especially travel surgical tech jobs, can yield even more, with weekly earnings climbing to $1,800-$2,800 for cardiac specialties, presenting a critical advantage for those willing to take on travel roles. In Mayaguez, hourly rates may differ across employer types, with specialty surgical centers potentially offering higher compensation than general hospital settings. However, surgical technologists might opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for employer benefits such as health insurance. The key to successful hourly remuneration hinges on effective negotiation strategies, particularly in highlighting certification credentials like the CST and specialization experience, making a case for elevated compensation wherever possible.
More salary data for Mayaguez, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Mayaguez in 2026?
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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 Mayaguez. 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