Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $36.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Federal Way, WA runs $36.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,065 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Federal Way, Washington, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected at $36.91 in 2026. This rate significantly exceeds the national median of $32.76, reflecting the diverse healthcare environment in the area. For those considering part-time employment, working three days a week would typically yield a reliable income, while per-diem roles in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers allow for greater flexibility and the potential for higher earnings. Entry-level surgical technologists may begin at approximately $26.20 per hour, but seasoned professionals can command around $56.05 per hour, depending on their expertise and setting, with roles in robotic surgery likely offering higher compensation.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.20 | $209.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.02 | $248.15 |
| Median (P50) | $36.91 | $295.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.91 | $367.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.05 | $448.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $36.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.91/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $76,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,293. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,476.44 | $6,398 | $76,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $885.87 | $3,839 | $46,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $590.58 | $2,559 | $30,710 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Federal Way) | $36.91 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $76,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $77,482.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.91/hr = $46,065/year (purchasing power: $42,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,775/year (purchasing power: $71,485).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Federal Way grew 33.9% from $26.16/hr (2019) to $35.02/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.90/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
When evaluating the financial implications of a career as a surgical technologist in Federal Way, the earning potential for part-time workers can be considerable. For someone working 24 hours a week over three days, annual take-home pay could skyrocket compared to the income from full-time employment, driven largely by the hourly wage structure in healthcare. For those opting for per-diem work, rates often range from $35 to $55 per hour, with cardiovascular or neurosurgery positions potentially netting between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical technologists can also find lucrative contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. However, surgical techs working in hospitals or specialized surgical centers might receive lower per-hour compensation in exchange for valuable benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for hourly pay in Federal Way often requires weighing the importance of health benefits against higher hourly rates in more flexible, per-diem positions.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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