Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Staunton, VA: $32.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Staunton, VA runs $32.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,423 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Staunton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,448 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Staunton, Virginia, receive a median hourly rate of $32.41, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76 for this role. This wage provides a solid financial foundation for those working part-time, especially for those opting for a three-day workweek. In typical settings such as hospital main operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, the hourly payment varies based on experience and specialization. Entry-level techs may start at approximately $24.59, while top earners, particularly those with specialized skills or certifications, can reach as high as $47.18 per hour. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, reflect the opportunities available to both per diem workers and those looking to establish a more stable work schedule.
About the Staunton 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) | $24.59 | $196.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.22 | $225.72 |
| Median (P50) | $32.41 | $259.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.64 | $317.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.18 | $377.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Staunton
Based on $32.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.41/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Staunton, VA can expect to earn approximately $67,414 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,893. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Staunton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Staunton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.42 | $5,618 | $67,414 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.85 | $3,371 | $40,448 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.57 | $2,247 | $26,966 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Staunton) | $32.41 |
| 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 Staunton, VA earn a median of $67,423 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $70,306.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.41/hr = $40,448/year (purchasing power: $39,194).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,414/year (purchasing power: $65,323).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Staunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Staunton grew 33.9% from $22.97/hr (2019) to $30.75/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.16/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 Staunton 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 Staunton
Considering part-time positions, a surgical technologist working three days a week (24 hours) in Staunton would take home significantly less than a full-time colleague but can still earn a respectable income. Annual earnings from a part-time schedule may total around $39,877, which allows some flexibility, especially for those seeking work-life balance. Conversely, per diem surgical technologists often bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neuro surgery able to command rates between $50 and $75. Travel contracts for surgical techs can yield lucrative weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, with higher pay often associated with specialties like cardiac surgery. When choosing between employment types, surgical technologists may face the trade-off of higher hourly wages without benefits versus potentially lower rates paired with comprehensive health coverage. Negotiating hourly pay in Staunton, especially for more specialized roles, requires a good understanding of both market rates and individual worth, particularly in a city with a varied cost of living index at 103.2.
More salary data for Staunton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Staunton in 2026?
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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 Staunton. 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 Staunton 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