Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Rock Hill, SC: $31.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Rock Hill, SC runs $31.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Rock Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,567 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Hill, South Carolina, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $31.70, which comes in slightly below the national median of $32.76. This rate offers a solid earning potential for both part-time workers and those considering per-diem positions within various surgical environments, including hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. The hourly wage spans a range from $21.55 for entry-level roles (P10) to $48.76 for experienced professionals (P90), reflecting the growing demand for skilled surgical technologists in specialized surgical settings, such as robotic surgery units and trauma operating rooms. Overall, these hourly figures offer a glimpse into the financial rewards available to professionals in this critical healthcare field, which is increasingly recognized for meeting the federal hiring standard set by the CST credential from the NBSTSA.
About the Rock Hill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.55 | $172.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.15 | $217.21 |
| Median (P50) | $31.70 | $253.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.98 | $319.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.76 | $390.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Hill
Based on $31.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.70/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Hill, SC can expect to earn approximately $65,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,045. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,268.17 | $5,495 | $65,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.90 | $3,297 | $39,567 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.27 | $2,198 | $26,378 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Rock Hill) | $31.70 |
| 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 Rock Hill, SC earn a median of $65,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.24% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $66,200.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.70/hr = $39,567/year (purchasing power: $43,243).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,945/year (purchasing power: $72,071).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rock Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Rock Hill grew 33.9% from $22.47/hr (2019) to $30.08/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.42/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 Rock Hill 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 Rock Hill
For those considering part-time work as a surgical technologist in Rock Hill, the earning potential is significant; a typical 3-day workweek, translating to 24 hours, could yield around $37,337 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who can earn considerably more. Per-diem surgical technologists often see hourly pay rates between $35 and $55, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding an even higher premium. Travel contracts for surgical techs can yield substantial earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly within high-demand specialties, emphasizing the lucrative prospects of temporary assignments. Different employer types also influence hourly rates, with hospitals often offering lower pay than specialized surgical centers or agency placements, where benefits might not be included. Many surgical technologists weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance, while others may negotiate better compensation for premium hours. Understanding the nuances of surgical technologist hourly pay in Rock Hill allows professionals to make informed decisions about their careers in the field.
More salary data for Rock Hill, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Rock Hill 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 Rock Hill. 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 Rock Hill 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