Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $38.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Marcos, TX runs $38.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,762 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in San Marcos, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $38.27, which is significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This elevated hourly rate provides a competitive advantage for both part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings. Those working three days a week can benefit from this favorable wage, as it opens up opportunities for solid weekly earnings while maintaining flexibility. Additionally, the hourly range for surgical technologists can vary widely, from about $27.08 for entry-level positions to as much as $56.37 for seasoned professionals and specialists. This dynamic salary structure reflects the growing demand for surgical technology expertise across hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical suites, and trauma operating rooms in San Marcos.
About the San Marcos 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) | $27.08 | $216.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.12 | $256.92 |
| Median (P50) | $38.27 | $306.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.77 | $374.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.37 | $450.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $38.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.27/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $79,603 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,925. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,530.83 | $6,634 | $79,603 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $918.50 | $3,980 | $47,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $612.33 | $2,653 | $31,841 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Marcos) | $38.27 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $79,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.83% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 20.40% above the Texas state average of $66,121.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.27/hr = $47,762/year (purchasing power: $49,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,603/year (purchasing power: $82,920).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Marcos grew 33.9% from $27.13/hr (2019) to $36.31/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.34/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
In terms of financial outlook, a surgical technologist working 24 hours per week will take home a substantially different annual figure compared to a full-time employee. By working three days a week, this individual may earn nearly $59,950 annually, while a full-time position (40 hours per week) could yield an annual income of about $79,610. The flexibility of per-diem roles offers even more earning potential, with surgical technologists commonly billing between $35 and $55 per hour. Specialists in fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery may command even higher rates, ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. The variety in hourly rates across different employer types, such as military or VA surgical units and travel surgical tech agencies, reflects differing priorities and benefits. Some surgical technologists may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for full employment benefits, highlighting the importance of negotiating terms according to individual circumstances. Understanding the value of your skills and the specifics of the San Marcos market can lead to more favorable compensation during those pivotal staffing discussions.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in San Marcos?
Are surgical technologists in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in San Marcos?
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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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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