Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Abilene, TX: $31.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Abilene, TX runs $31.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Abilene's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,041 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Abilene, Texas, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $31.28, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This figure represents a promising salary for professionals working in various clinical settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists, who typically work three days a week or on an as-needed basis, benefit from this hourly pay structure, allowing them flexibility and the potential to supplement their income. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start around $14.48, while top earners in the field can reach as high as $40.56 per hour, according to BLS data for 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.48 | $115.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.18 | $193.43 |
| Median (P50) | $31.28 | $250.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.64 | $269.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.56 | $324.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Abilene
Based on $31.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.28/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Abilene, TX can expect to earn approximately $65,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,539. With a cost-of-living index of 90.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Abilene.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Abilene
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.31 | $5,422 | $65,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.79 | $3,253 | $39,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.52 | $2,169 | $26,027 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Abilene) | $31.28 |
| 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 Abilene, TX earn a median of $65,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $66,132.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.28/hr = $39,041/year (purchasing power: $43,204).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,068/year (purchasing power: $72,007).
CoL index: 90.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+80.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Abilene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Abilene grew 62.6% from $18.25/hr (2019) to $29.68/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.97/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 Abilene 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 Abilene
Part-time surgical technologists in Abilene who work 24 hours a week can expect to take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, earning approximately $39,750 annually at their median hourly rate. For those interested in per-diem positions, the pay can vary widely, with typical rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, and specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery potentially earning upwards of $50 to $75 per hour. Moreover, travel surgical tech contracts are lucrative, offering anywhere from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, depending on location and specialty. Different types of employers also affect hourly rates; for instance, positions in academic or military facilities may provide additional benefits that justify a lower hourly rate compared to private surgical centers. Those in the field should weigh the benefits of consistent employment against the higher pay of per-diem work, especially when negotiating for hourly wages in Abilene's market, thus positioning themselves for better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Abilene, TX:
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 Abilene. 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