Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $31.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Columbia, SC runs $31.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,725 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $31.03, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $32.76. This hourly rate reflects the earnings potential for those working in various healthcare environments, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For part-time workers, particularly those scheduled three days a week, this pay means they can still achieve a reasonable income by working approximately 24 hours weekly. The hourly pay range is significant, starting at $25.36 for entry-level positions and extending to $37.65 for top earners within the field, highlighting the developmental opportunities available within the profession. This data is drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.36 | $202.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.14 | $209.11 |
| Median (P50) | $31.03 | $248.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.83 | $270.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.65 | $301.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $31.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.03/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $64,542 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,236. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.19 | $5,378 | $64,542 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.71 | $3,227 | $38,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.48 | $2,151 | $25,817 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Columbia) | $31.03 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $64,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% below the South Carolina state average of $66,191.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.03/hr = $38,725/year (purchasing power: $41,346).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,542/year (purchasing power: $68,909).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+65.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Columbia grew 49.1% from $19.75/hr (2019) to $29.44/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.71/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Examining the earnings of a part-time surgical technologist in Columbia reveals that working 24 hours a week could result in an annual income considerably less than full-time counterparts. Those choosing per diem positions can find a wider earning range, with typical hourly rates from $35 to $55, especially in specialized areas like cardiovascular or neuro surgery where pay can soar to between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical technologist contracts frequently promise substantial weekly pay, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for demand-heavy specializations. Hourly rates can vary notably across employer types; for instance, surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms may earn less than their colleagues in the military or veteran affairs surgical units. Importantly, some professionals may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for essential benefits like health insurance, a consideration that can influence negotiations for those entering the workforce. For surgical technologists residing in Columbia, understanding the unique dynamics of local employers and honing negotiation skills can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
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 Columbia. 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, 6-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