Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $32.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Killeen, TX runs $32.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,527 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $32.47, surgical technologists in Killeen, TX, earn slightly less than the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive pay makes it an attractive option for part-time workers who may schedule three days a week, translating to an income that can support both lifestyle and further education in advancing surgical technology practices. The hourly wage range for surgical technologists in this area stretches from $22.04 for entry-level positions to $50.33 for top earners, showcasing the potential for financial growth within the field. These figures provide valuable insight into the earnings potential across various typical settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical facilities, and sterile processing departments. It's important to recognize that hourly rates are derived from annual salary data projections for 2026, illustrating a clear path for those pursuing careers in this essential healthcare field.
About the Killeen 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) | $22.04 | $176.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.52 | $212.15 |
| Median (P50) | $32.47 | $259.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.37 | $322.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.33 | $402.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $32.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.47/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $67,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,968. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.95 | $5,629 | $67,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.37 | $3,377 | $40,527 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.58 | $2,252 | $27,018 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Killeen) | $32.47 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $67,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% above the Texas state average of $66,151.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.47/hr = $40,527/year (purchasing power: $42,216).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,545/year (purchasing power: $70,360).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Killeen grew 43.6% from $21.45/hr (2019) to $30.81/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.23/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week at 24 hours would take home approximately $41,256 annually, which still represents a viable option when compared to a full-time position that would earn upwards of $67,540. For per-diem surgical technologists in Killeen, hourly rates can vary significantly; many bill between $35 and $55 per hour, while those in higher-demand specialties such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical technician contracts typically range from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, enhancing financial incentives for those willing to explore mobile or locum opportunities. The stark variances in hourly compensation across different employer types reflect the demand; hospitals may offer more stable employment with benefits, while ambulatory surgical centers could provide higher hourly pay but less security. Surgical technologists should approach negotiations with a clear understanding of their worth and consider the benefits trade-offs carefully—some may prefer lower hourly rates for employer-sponsored health insurance while others might opt for higher pay without benefits.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Killeen in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Killeen?
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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 Killeen. 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 Killeen 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