Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Charlottesville, VA: $32.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Charlottesville, VA runs $32.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Charlottesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,435 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Charlottesville, Virginia, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.40, slightly below the national median of $32.76 per hour. For surgical technologists working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly rate can equate to a stable income drawn from various healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For entry-level positions, hourly wages start around $24.56, while experienced professionals in top earning brackets can reach as high as $47.23. These figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, providing a solid benchmark for hourly employees in the region amidst the growing demand for skilled surgical technology professionals.
About the Charlottesville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.56 | $196.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.19 | $225.56 |
| Median (P50) | $32.40 | $259.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.57 | $316.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.23 | $377.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlottesville
Based on $32.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.40/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlottesville, VA can expect to earn approximately $67,392 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,880. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charlottesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlottesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.00 | $5,616 | $67,392 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.60 | $3,370 | $40,435 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.40 | $2,246 | $26,957 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Charlottesville) | $32.40 |
| 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 Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $67,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $70,357.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.40/hr = $40,435/year (purchasing power: $39,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,392/year (purchasing power: $65,302).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Charlottesville grew 31.6% from $23.36/hr (2019) to $30.74/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.15/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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville
Considering the earning potential for part-time surgical technologists, working 24 hours a week translates to a noteworthy annual income, differing significantly when compared to full-time roles. Many per diem surgical technologists in Charlottesville can earn between $35 to $55 per hour, with those in specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery often charging $50 to $75 per hour. Notably, travel surgical tech contracts can provide lucrative weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. The hourly pay may fluctuate depending on employer types, with hospitals typically offering structured benefits but potentially lower wages compared to private or specialty centers with higher rates. This consideration leads some professionals to prioritize benefits over immediate pay, negotiating for better compensation when accepting hourly positions. Understanding these dynamics can empower surgical technologists to make informed career choices in the Charlottesville area.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Charlottesville in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Charlottesville?
Are surgical technologists in Charlottesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Charlottesville?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Charlottesville?
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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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville 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