Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $40.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Seattle, WA runs $40.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,524 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in Seattle, Washington, can expect a competitive hourly rate of $40.48, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76, reflecting a 23.59% premium. This robust hourly pay is particularly advantageous for those working part-time, such as in typical hospital settings or specialized surgical centers, allowing them to thrive with flexible schedules of three days a week. Entry-level surgical technologists can earn an hourly wage starting at $30.03, gradually increasing to as high as $53.06 for the most experienced professionals in the field. The diversity of their workplaces—ranging from main operating rooms and ambulatory surgery suites to trauma ORs and robotic surgery environments—provides multiple avenues for specialized skills and higher pay.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.03 | $240.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.79 | $254.31 |
| Median (P50) | $40.48 | $323.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.52 | $404.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.06 | $424.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $40.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.48/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $84,207 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,581. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,619.37 | $7,017 | $84,207 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $971.62 | $4,210 | $50,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $647.75 | $2,807 | $33,683 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Seattle) | $40.48 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $84,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.59% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 8.70% above the Washington state average of $77,474.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.48/hr = $50,524/year (purchasing power: $45,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,207/year (purchasing power: $75,771).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Seattle grew 32.5% from $28.98/hr (2019) to $38.41/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.67/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
When considering part-time work, a surgical technologist in Seattle who works 24 hours a week could take home a notable salary compared to full-time counterparts. This translates to an estimated annual income that is substantial yet manageable for a flexible lifestyle. Per-diem surgical technologists frequently charge between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery earning even more, typically in the $50 to $75 range. Travel surgical tech contracts also stand out, with weekly earnings fluctuating between $1,800 and $2,800, particularly for cardiac specialties. Hourly rates vary depending on the employer type, with hospitals and specialty surgical centers frequently offering differing compensation structures. Surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of health coverage against higher hourly rates that lack benefits, creating dynamic compensation decisions. To maximize earning potential, it's advisable to negotiate based on skill set and specialization, particularly for those with certifications in advanced procedures like robotic surgery, which enhance their value in Seattle's competitive healthcare sector.
More salary data for Seattle, 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 Seattle. 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, 7-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