Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $38.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Bellingham, WA runs $38.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,051 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For those pursuing a career in surgical technology, the current hourly rate in Bellingham, WA stands at $38.50, significantly above the national median of $32.76. This elevated hourly pay reflects the growing demand for skilled surgical technologists, especially in various medical settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical suites. Those working part-time or on a per-diem basis can expect a pay range that ensures healthy earnings: entry-level surgical technologists start around $33.61, while top earners can make as much as $56.11 an hour. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS statistics projected to 2026, indicates a competitive landscape for surgical technologists within the region.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.61 | $268.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.61 | $268.90 |
| Median (P50) | $38.50 | $308.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.73 | $389.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.11 | $448.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $38.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.50/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $80,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,203. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,540.10 | $6,674 | $80,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $924.06 | $4,004 | $48,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $616.04 | $2,670 | $32,034 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Bellingham) | $38.50 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $80,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.51% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% above the Washington state average of $77,514.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.50/hr = $48,051/year (purchasing power: $46,501).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,085/year (purchasing power: $77,502).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+63.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bellingham grew 46.9% from $24.87/hr (2019) to $36.53/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.58/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
For a surgical technologist working three days a week, the part-time earnings can be quite substantial when converted into an annual figure. Typically clocking around 24 hours weekly, their take-home pay reflects an annual income that allows for a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining flexibility. The per diem surgical technologist pay in Bellingham varies widely, with rates generally ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, but specialists in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command even higher rates, reaching $50 to $75 per hour. This variability is apparent in the differing pay scales across various employer types—hospital ORs, ambulatory surgical centers, and even military units often have their own pay structures. Surgical technologists might face a choice between lower hourly pay with comprehensive benefits and higher pay without such coverage, which creates a negotiation dilemma. Those interested in maximizing their hourly earnings should consider factors like specialty certifications and the potential for advancement in positions demanding expertise in robotic surgery, further enriching their career prospects in Bellingham's surgical landscape.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Bellingham?
Are surgical technologists in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Bellingham?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Bellingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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