Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $31.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Summerville, SC runs $31.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,896 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summerville, South Carolina, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $31.17, which slightly trails the national median of $32.76. This competitive rate is significant for those pursuing part-time or per-diem positions, as it translates into a practical living wage, especially in typical surgical environments such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $22.96 per hour, while those at the top of their field may command up to $48.01 per hour. These wages are reflective of the 2026 projections derived from the most recent 2025 BLS data and represent the growing demand for qualified professionals in this vital healthcare sector, reinforcing the importance of accredited training through programs like CAAHEP and the attainment of the CST certification.
About the Summerville 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) | $22.96 | $183.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.74 | $213.92 |
| Median (P50) | $31.17 | $249.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.35 | $314.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.01 | $384.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $31.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.17/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $64,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,400. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,246.67 | $5,402 | $64,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.00 | $3,241 | $38,896 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.67 | $2,161 | $25,931 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Summerville) | $31.17 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $64,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.88% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $66,209.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.17/hr = $38,896/year (purchasing power: $42,509).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,827/year (purchasing power: $70,849).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Summerville grew 33.9% from $22.09/hr (2019) to $29.57/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.85/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
For surgical technologists working part-time—specifically those on a 3-day work schedule—annual earnings can be quite substantial, even though they won't match the full-time potential. For example, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home about $47,000 annually. The per diem model introduces another layer of flexibility, as these professionals can command rates between $35 and $55 per hour for general procedures, while specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery see rates spiking to $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts offer even more lucrative opportunities, often pulling in $1,800-$2,800 weekly for those who are able to relocate. Hourly pay also varies across different settings—hospital operating rooms typically provide the most stable employment, whereas ambulatory and specialty surgical centers might offer higher pay rates but fewer benefits. As experienced professionals consider their options, some may opt for lower hourly rates to ensure comprehensive health coverage, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation for the best hourly rate is key in Summerville, and highlighting additional certifications like robotic surgery proficiency may provide an edge in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Summerville 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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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