Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $39.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Providence, RI runs $39.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,443 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,867 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in Providence, Rhode Island, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $39.16 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This favorable rate indicates compelling earning potential for both full-time and part-time surgical technologists, particularly those working three days a week or in per-diem positions at hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialized surgical facilities. With an hourly range from $27.64 at the P10 to $49.01 at the P90, it reflects diverse opportunities for entry-level and experienced surgical technologists alike. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating robust stability and demand for this profession in the local healthcare environment.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.64 | $221.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.74 | $261.90 |
| Median (P50) | $39.16 | $313.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.79 | $342.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.01 | $392.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $39.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.16/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $81,445 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,987. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,566.24 | $6,787 | $81,445 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $939.75 | $4,072 | $48,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.50 | $2,715 | $32,578 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Providence) | $39.16 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $81,443 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.52% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 18.90% above the Rhode Island state average of $68,497.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.16/hr = $48,867/year (purchasing power: $48,015).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,445/year (purchasing power: $80,026).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+65.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Providence grew 49.3% from $24.89/hr (2019) to $37.15/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.27/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 Providence 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 Providence
For those working part-time, a 24-hour workweek translates to significantly different annual earnings compared to full-time surgical techs. Part-time surgical technologists in Providence could see incomes that reflect their reduced hours, but the hourly rate allows for substantial earnings in critical operating environments, with per-diem professionals often billing between $35 and $55 per hour. In specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neuro surgeries, per diem pay can reach $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can also be lucrative, offering weekly rates from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac specialties. Hourly rates vary depending on the type of facility, with hospitals typically offering comprehensive benefits packages while ambulatory surgery centers or private practices might pay more per hour but with fewer benefits. This trade-off requires careful consideration, and negotiating for specific terms can empower surgical technologists to maximize their overall compensation strategy. Keeping abreast of industry standards and leveraging accreditation like the CST credential can also be advantageous for proving one’s worth in this competitive field.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
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 Providence. 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