Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Falls Church, VA: $31.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Falls Church, VA runs $31.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Falls Church's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,909 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Falls Church, Virginia, the projected median surgical technologist hourly pay for 2026 is set at $31.18, slightly below the national average of $32.76. This compensation translates into a resilient earning potential for those working part-time or per-diem schedules, especially in settings like hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. For example, part-time surgical technologists working three days a week would find their earnings viable, while per-diem practitioners can take advantage of flexible work arrangements in trauma OR suites and specialty surgical environments, where the hourly rate can vary significantly. Entry-level positions may start around $24.00, whereas seasoned professionals specializing in advanced surgical practices can earn up to $43.60 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the Falls Church area.
About the Falls Church 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) | $24.00 | $192.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.28 | $218.22 |
| Median (P50) | $31.18 | $249.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.21 | $297.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.60 | $348.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Falls Church
Based on $31.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.18/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Falls Church, VA can expect to earn approximately $64,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,413. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Falls Church.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Falls Church
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,247.09 | $5,404 | $64,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $748.26 | $3,242 | $38,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.84 | $2,162 | $25,940 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Falls Church) | $31.18 |
| 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 Falls Church, VA earn a median of $64,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.84% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.80% below the Virginia state average of $70,326.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.18/hr = $38,909/year (purchasing power: $37,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,849/year (purchasing power: $62,838).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Falls Church (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Falls Church grew 33.9% from $22.10/hr (2019) to $29.58/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.86/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 Falls Church 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 Falls Church
Examining the part-time earnings, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $39,000 annually, which is considerably less than a full-time counterpart, but still appealing given the ability to balance work and personal life. For those exploring per-diem or agency opportunities in Falls Church, the compensation often ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialists in high-demand areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery earning up to $75 per hour. Moreover, employers such as military surgical units and specialty surgical centers provide varying pay scales. While some technologists may prefer the steadiness of a salaried role with benefits, others opt for higher hourly wages at agencies that do not offer health insurance. For those in the industry, negotiating hourly rates can be key; showcasing certifications such as CST from NBSTSA, and having a clear understanding of local market rates will enhance earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Falls Church, VA:
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 Falls Church. 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 Falls Church 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