Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $30.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Sumter, SC runs $30.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,047 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,831 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $30.31, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This rate reflects the opportunities available for part-time and per-diem workers in various surgical environments, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For surgical technologists working three days a week, this translates into more than just a competitive wage; it allows for a lifestyle that can accommodate personal commitments while still contributing to their field. The hourly pay ranges from $22.66 for entry-level positions to approximately $44.88 for those at the highest earning spectrum, providing a clear pathway for advancement depending on experience and specialization.
About the Sumter 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) | $22.66 | $181.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.14 | $209.11 |
| Median (P50) | $30.31 | $242.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.44 | $299.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.88 | $359.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $30.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.31/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $63,051 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,376. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.52 | $5,254 | $63,051 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.51 | $3,153 | $37,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.01 | $2,102 | $25,220 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Sumter) | $30.31 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $63,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $66,226.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.31/hr = $37,831/year (purchasing power: $41,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,051/year (purchasing power: $68,908).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sumter grew 33.9% from $21.49/hr (2019) to $28.76/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.95/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
For those considering part-time work, a surgical technologist working 24 hours per week could expect to earn around $37,829 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Per-diem surgical technologists often see hourly pay between $35 and $55, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery commanding rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can yield weekly payments from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly in high-demand specialties. Pay varies across employer types in Sumter; positions in hospital ORs may offer stability and benefits, while specialty agencies often provide higher hourly rates without health insurance options. For surgical technologists, negotiating hourly rates can involve weighing the benefits of steady employment against potentially higher pay but fewer benefits, making it essential to understand one’s priorities when discussing compensation within this profession.
More salary data for Sumter, 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 Sumter. 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 Sumter 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