Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Portsmouth, VA: $32.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Portsmouth, VA runs $32.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Portsmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, Virginia, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $32.72, which is slightly less than the national hourly median of $32.76. This figure reflects the pay structure found in various healthcare environments, such as hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. For those working on a part-time basis, typically about three days a week, the pay makes for a sustainable income while allowing for flexibility. Entry-level surgical technologists start at approximately $23.46 per hour, while those at the top of the scale can earn up to $48.35. This hourly range provides a clear pathway for career advancement and specialization, highlighting the potential for higher earnings as technologists gain experience and certifications.
About the Portsmouth 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) | $23.46 | $187.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.61 | $220.92 |
| Median (P50) | $32.72 | $261.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.15 | $321.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.35 | $386.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portsmouth
Based on $32.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.72/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portsmouth, VA can expect to earn approximately $68,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,259. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portsmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portsmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,308.65 | $5,671 | $68,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $785.19 | $3,402 | $40,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $523.46 | $2,268 | $27,220 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Portsmouth) | $32.72 |
| 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 Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $68,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.14% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $70,295.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.72/hr = $40,830/year (purchasing power: $39,564).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,050/year (purchasing power: $65,940).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Portsmouth grew 33.9% from $23.19/hr (2019) to $31.04/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.48/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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Looking beyond typical employment, part-time surgical technologists in Portsmouth can expect to bring home around $41,248 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. Meanwhile, per diem surgical technologists capitalize on higher hourly rates, often billing between $35 and $55, with further specialization, like cardiovascular or neuro surgery, pushing rates to $50-$75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts in Portsmouth can be lucrative, fetching between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. It’s essential to consider how employers influence hourly rates: hospitals tend to offer more comprehensive benefits compared to ambulatory centers. So, while some surgical technologists may opt for the higher hourly pay without benefits, others might prefer positions that include health insurance—a trade-off worth considering. Negotiating hourly rates can be strategic; highlighting specific credentials, like CAAHEP accreditation or robotic surgery certifications, can significantly enhance a tech's value in discussions about pay.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth 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