Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $37.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kent, WA runs $37.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,407 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kent, Washington, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $37.19, significantly outpacing the national median of $32.76. This higher pay is reflective of the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Individuals in part-time roles, typically working three days per week, can expect to earn approximately $29,286 annually, while per-diem workers benefit from flexible scheduling and often command hourly rates ranging from $26.82 to $57.64 based on experience and specialty. With entry-level positions starting at $26.82 and high earners reaching up to $57.64, the surgical technologist hourly rate in Kent presents a lucrative opportunity for those in the profession.
About the Kent 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) | $26.82 | $214.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.57 | $252.54 |
| Median (P50) | $37.19 | $297.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.40 | $379.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.64 | $461.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $37.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.19/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,622. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,487.40 | $6,445 | $77,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.44 | $3,867 | $46,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $594.96 | $2,578 | $30,938 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kent) | $37.19 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $77,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $77,504.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.19/hr = $46,407/year (purchasing power: $43,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,345/year (purchasing power: $72,016).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kent grew 33.9% from $26.36/hr (2019) to $35.28/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.19/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 Kent 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 Kent
The earning potential for surgical technologists in Kent can vary based on their employment type and specialty focus. Taking a full-time position might provide stability, while part-time surgical technologists opting for a 24-hour work week can still achieve substantial take-home pay without full-time obligations. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Kent ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with those in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neuro surgery often earning between $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts for surgical technologists have also become a common practice, offering weekly rates from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac roles which demand expertise. While some choose employment for the benefits it provides, others prefer the higher hourly rates that come with per-diem or travel positions. Negotiating for better pay can be vital; surgical technologists in Kent should remain informed about local compensation trends and potential employer incentives that may affect their overall financial health in this promising field.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kent in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Kent?
Are surgical technologists in Kent paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Kent?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kent?
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 Kent. 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 Kent 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