Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Mitchell, SD: $28.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Mitchell, SD runs $28.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,194 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Mitchell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,121 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Mitchell, South Dakota, can expect a median hourly pay of $28.94, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This pay reflects the earnings potential for various employment arrangements, including part-time and per-diem positions typically found in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. Individuals working on a part-time basis, such as three days per week, will find that this hourly rate offers a fair return while gaining valuable experience in a rapidly evolving field. The hourly range for surgical technologists in Mitchell stretches from $21.39 for entry-level roles to as much as $40.47 for highly experienced professionals, indicating a promising career trajectory based on skill development and specialization.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.39 | $171.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.66 | $197.31 |
| Median (P50) | $28.94 | $231.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.54 | $276.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.47 | $323.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mitchell
Based on $28.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.94/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mitchell, SD can expect to earn approximately $60,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,731. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mitchell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mitchell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.71 | $5,017 | $60,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.63 | $3,010 | $36,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.09 | $2,007 | $24,080 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Mitchell) | $28.94 |
| 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 Mitchell, SD earn a median of $60,194 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.66% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $63,229.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.94/hr = $36,121/year (purchasing power: $38,923).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,201/year (purchasing power: $64,872).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Mitchell grew 33.9% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $27.46/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.51/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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell
Part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $40,000 annually, a strong income for many living in Mitchell. Options for per-diem or locum tenens positions come with their own financial advantages, as these surgical techs can command hourly rates between $35 and $55, particularly in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which may pay upwards of $50 to $75 per hour. For those considering mobile work, travel surgical tech contracts can range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, giving a significant boost to potential earnings. However, surgical technologists must weigh benefits like health insurance against the appeals of higher hourly rates in freelance roles. When negotiating pay rates in Mitchell, it’s advantageous to focus on skills that relate to high-demand specialties and to emphasize any certifications, such as robotic surgery training, that can set a candidate apart in this competitive market.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
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 Mitchell. 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 Mitchell 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