Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $33.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Norfolk, VA runs $33.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,961 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $33.62, which is slightly above the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay allows for a favorable lifestyle, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers, who may appreciate the flexibility it offers while working in diverse settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. The hourly rates range from $22.22 at the entry-level (P10) to as much as $52.11 for experienced professionals at the top of their field (P90). These figures, while estimated from annual salary data, illustrate the earning potential based on the local demand for surgical technologists across various healthcare facilities in Norfolk and the advantages of the CST credential for those interested in advancing their careers.
About the Norfolk 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) | $22.22 | $177.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.20 | $217.63 |
| Median (P50) | $33.62 | $268.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.51 | $340.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.11 | $416.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $33.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.62/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $69,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,347. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,344.90 | $5,828 | $69,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $806.94 | $3,497 | $41,961 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.96 | $2,331 | $27,974 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Norfolk) | $33.62 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $69,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.62% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the Virginia state average of $70,350.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.62/hr = $41,961/year (purchasing power: $40,660).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,935/year (purchasing power: $67,766).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Norfolk grew 33.9% from $23.83/hr (2019) to $31.90/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.44/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
When assessing part-time earning potential, a surgical technologist working three days a week at 24 hours could take home around $52,051 annually, which still provides a respectable income compared to full-time positions. Per diem surgical technologists can expect an increase in their earning potential, often billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgery sometimes reaching up to $75 per hour. Additionally, traveling surgical techs may command contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, making it an attractive option for those willing to relocate temporarily. Hourly wages also vary by employer type in Norfolk; while hospitals generally offer stability, ambulatory centers and specialty surgical suites might provide higher pay but lack benefits. Surgical technologists must weigh these options carefully, especially when negotiating their hourly rates; understanding industry standards and local market conditions can lead to more favorable compensation packages for those in the field.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Norfolk?
Are surgical technologists in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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