Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $32.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Harlingen, TX runs $32.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,632 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Harlingen, TX, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to achieve a median rate of $32.03 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $32.76. For surgical technologists working in typical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units, this hourly pay can significantly affect income potential. Entry-level technicians may start around $22.51, while those at the top of the pay scale can earn as much as $46.83 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this pay translates into a potentially stable income even as they balance other commitments. Moreover, per-diem work is a viable option, where surgical technologists can benefit from flexibility and higher hourly rates depending on demand and specialization.
About the Harlingen 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) | $22.51 | $180.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.89 | $223.11 |
| Median (P50) | $32.03 | $256.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.93 | $311.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.83 | $374.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $32.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.03/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $66,625 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,437. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,281.24 | $5,552 | $66,625 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $768.75 | $3,331 | $39,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $512.50 | $2,221 | $26,650 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Harlingen) | $32.03 |
| 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 Harlingen, TX earn a median of $66,632 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.80% above the Texas state average of $66,103.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.03/hr = $39,975/year (purchasing power: $41,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,625/year (purchasing power: $69,401).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Harlingen grew 33.9% from $22.70/hr (2019) to $30.39/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.76/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 Harlingen 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 Harlingen
For surgical technologists operating on a part-time basis in Harlingen, a typical schedule of working three days a week may yield annual earnings that differ significantly from full-time counterparts. Over a year, part-timers working 24 hours weekly could see income around $42,148, which is less than a full-time salary yet still provides reasonable take-home pay. Per-diem surgical technologists, who may earn between $35 and $55 per hour, often find that the extra flexibility comes with its own trade-offs, such as lack of benefits. Specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery can command even higher rates, with per-diem wages reaching $50-$75 per hour. It’s important to note that workplace environments in Harlingen vary in compensation; while hospitals may offer stable hourly rates and benefits, specialty surgical centers and agency contracts may provide higher pay without perks. Surgical technologists should approach negotiations armed with knowledge of their market value while considering the weight of benefits versus higher hourly wages.
More salary data for Harlingen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Harlingen in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Harlingen?
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How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Harlingen?
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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 Harlingen. 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 Harlingen 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