Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Galveston, TX: $31.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Galveston, TX runs $31.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,333 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Galveston's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galveston, Texas, the projected median hourly rate for surgical technologists is $31.89, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This rate holds significance for part-time workers, particularly those who may be employed three days a week, allowing them to secure a steady income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem surgical technologists, the typical settings such as hospital main operating rooms and outpatient surgical centers present opportunities to earn based on flexible schedules. The hourly range extends from $22.14 for entry-level positions to $47.41 for seasoned professionals. These figures are informed by the annual salary data projections for 2026, illustrating the dynamic earning potential available within this crucial healthcare role in Galveston.
About the Galveston Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.14 | $177.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.38 | $211.05 |
| Median (P50) | $31.89 | $255.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.30 | $314.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.41 | $379.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galveston
Based on $31.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.89/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galveston, TX can expect to earn approximately $66,340 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,273. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galveston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galveston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.76 | $5,528 | $66,340 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.46 | $3,317 | $39,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.30 | $2,211 | $26,536 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Galveston) | $31.89 |
| 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 Galveston, TX earn a median of $66,333 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.65% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.30% above the Texas state average of $66,135.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.89/hr = $39,804/year (purchasing power: $41,462).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,340/year (purchasing power: $69,104).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Galveston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Galveston grew 33.9% from $22.61/hr (2019) to $30.26/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.62/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 Galveston 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 Galveston
Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week at 24 hours may bring home a considerable income, yet it will inevitably differ from full-time earnings. Many in the field opt for per-diem roles, where they frequently earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery often commanding rates upwards of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can be particularly lucrative, offering weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially in high-demand surgical specialties. In Galveston, hourly pay often varies based on the type of employer, with hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers providing different compensation packages. While some surgical technologists may choose a lower hourly rate for the stability of health benefits, others prioritize higher pay without those benefits. Effective negotiation is crucial; emphasizing relevant certifications, such as the CST credential or training in robotic surgery, can help in securing higher pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Galveston, 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 Galveston. 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 Galveston 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