Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Temple, TX: $31.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Temple, TX runs $31.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Temple's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,962 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Temple, Texas, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $31.22, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly pay reflects the earnings potential for those working in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and other settings where surgical procedures are performed. For part-time surgical technologists working three days a week, this rate translates to a reliable income, while those seeking per-diem opportunities may find varying rates that enable flexibility. The hourly pay range spans from $23.14 for entry-level positions to $47.12 for top earners in the field, illustrating how experience and specialization can significantly influence overall earnings.
About the Temple 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) | $23.14 | $185.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.89 | $215.10 |
| Median (P50) | $31.22 | $249.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.84 | $310.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.12 | $376.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Temple
Based on $31.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.22/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Temple, TX can expect to earn approximately $64,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,463. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Temple.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Temple
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,248.78 | $5,411 | $64,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $749.27 | $3,247 | $38,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $499.51 | $2,165 | $25,975 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Temple) | $31.22 |
| 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 Temple, TX earn a median of $64,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.80% below the Texas state average of $66,120.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.22/hr = $38,962/year (purchasing power: $40,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,937/year (purchasing power: $67,642).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Temple (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 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Temple grew 33.9% from $22.13/hr (2019) to $29.62/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.91/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 Temple 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 Temple
Evaluating the financial landscape for surgical technologists in Temple reveals intriguing earning possibilities, especially for those considering part-time work. A surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $38,968 annually, which highlights the difference in income compared to full-time colleagues. On the other hand, per diem surgical technologists tend to enjoy a more lucrative pay structure, often billing between $35 and $55 per hour. Those with advanced skills in specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command even higher rates, ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Various employer types in Temple offer differing pay scales: hospitals typically provide better benefits, while specialty clinics may offer higher hourly rates with fewer perks. Those weighing benefits against higher hourly pay must consider their individual financial needs. Negotiating pay in this environment can lead to advantageous outcomes, especially if candidates are equipped with the latest certifications, such as robotic surgery credentials. Additionally, understanding the local market's dynamics can aid surgical technologists in leveraging their skill set to secure optimal compensation.
More salary data for Temple, 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 Temple. 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 Temple 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