Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Corpus Christi, TX: $25.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Corpus Christi, TX runs $25.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,448 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Corpus Christi's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,069 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For surgical technologists in Corpus Christi, the projected hourly pay in 2026 is $25.70, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This disparity highlights the local market's dynamics and cost of living considerations; the city's relatively low cost of living index of 92.671 suggests that while hourly wages may be lower, they might still meet basic needs. Surgical technologists typically work in various environments, including hospital main operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, where the hourly earnings can range from $20.10 at the entry level to $39.31 for those at the peak of their earning potential. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data provides an essential snapshot for both aspiring professionals and those looking at part-time or per-diem work setups in the surgical technologist field.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.10 | $160.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.06 | $200.51 |
| Median (P50) | $25.70 | $205.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.23 | $249.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.31 | $314.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corpus Christi
Based on $25.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.70/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corpus Christi, TX can expect to earn approximately $53,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,836. With a cost-of-living index of 92.67 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Corpus Christi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corpus Christi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,027.86 | $4,454 | $53,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.72 | $2,672 | $32,069 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.14 | $1,782 | $21,380 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Corpus Christi) | $25.70 |
| 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 Corpus Christi, TX earn a median of $53,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.56% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 19.20% below the Texas state average of $66,149.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.70/hr = $32,069/year (purchasing power: $34,605).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,449/year (purchasing power: $57,676).
CoL index: 92.671 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Corpus Christi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Corpus Christi grew 10.2% from $22.13/hr (2019) to $24.38/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.08/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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist in Corpus Christi working three days a week for 24 hours might take home about $31,200 per year, which is a modest income compared to full-time positions. Interestingly, per-diem surgical technologists can see considerable fluctuations in pay, often charging between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgeries commanding even higher rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts in Corpus Christi can yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, particularly when focusing on high-demand areas like cardiac surgery. Various employers, including ambulatory surgery centers and military facilities, contribute to a range of compensation structures. Those opting for lower hourly rates often do so to gain employer-sponsored benefits. Surgical technologists should negotiate effectively, emphasizing certifications, specialized skills, and the increasing relevance of robotic surgery experience to secure the best hourly pay possible in the local market.
More salary data for Corpus Christi, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Corpus Christi in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Corpus Christi?
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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 Corpus Christi. 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, 7-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