Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $32.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Salem, VA runs $32.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,182 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,909 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the projected surgical technologist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $32.78, which slightly exceeds the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive wage opens up opportunities for both part-time and per-diem surgical technologists, especially in various settings such as main hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For those working an average of three days a week, the abilities to earn between $22.72 (entry-level) and $46.40 (top earners) indicate a healthy pay scale within the profession. The hourly rates derive from annual salary estimates, demonstrating the financial viability of a career in this field, particularly for technologists skilled in emerging technologies like robotic surgery.
About the Salem 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) | $22.72 | $181.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.99 | $231.88 |
| Median (P50) | $32.78 | $262.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.26 | $314.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.40 | $371.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $32.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.78/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $68,181 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,335. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,311.18 | $5,682 | $68,181 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.71 | $3,409 | $40,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.47 | $2,273 | $27,272 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Salem) | $32.78 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $68,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $70,291.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.78/hr = $40,909/year (purchasing power: $39,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,181/year (purchasing power: $66,067).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salem grew 33.9% from $23.23/hr (2019) to $31.10/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.55/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 Salem 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 Salem
When examining the part-time earning potential in Salem, a surgical technologist working 24 hours per week could anticipate an annual take-home of around $40,651, compared to their full-time counterparts who benefit from additional hours and a consistent income. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Salem often ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with highly specialized positions in cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding premium rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts bring further financial rewards, often between $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Variances in hourly rates across different employer types are notable, as hospitals typically offer competitive salaries but may include comprehensive benefits, whereas specialty centers and travel agencies might provide higher hourly pay with fewer traditional benefits. For surgical technologists weighing their options, negotiating effectively about hourly rates versus benefits can lead to more tailored career decisions.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Salem?
Are surgical technologists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Salem?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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