Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $36.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in University Place, WA runs $36.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,987 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,591 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, surgical technologists are anticipated to earn a median hourly pay of $36.53, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This discrepancy reflects the greater demand and cost of living in Washington. As surgical technologists frequently work in settings like hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites, part-time positions, which might encompass three days of work each week, can yield decent earnings. The hourly pay range for this profession spans from $26.05 at the entry-level to $54.77 for the top earners, indicating a robust potential for those entering at various stages of their careers. It's understandable for part-time workers and per diem surgical technologists considering their next move to weigh these figures carefully.
About the University Place 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) | $26.05 | $208.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.58 | $244.61 |
| Median (P50) | $36.53 | $292.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.49 | $347.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.77 | $438.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $36.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.53/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $75,986 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,838. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,461.27 | $6,332 | $75,986 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $876.76 | $3,799 | $45,591 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.51 | $2,533 | $30,394 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (University Place) | $36.53 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $75,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $77,459.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.53/hr = $45,591/year (purchasing power: $42,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,986/year (purchasing power: $70,750).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in University Place grew 33.9% from $25.89/hr (2019) to $34.66/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.50/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 University Place 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 University Place
Part-time surgical technologists working approximately 24 hours a week can expect to make around $45,505 annually, showcasing a practical income despite working fewer days. For those considering per diem opportunities, this workforce can expect to bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles, particularly in cardiovascular and neuro specialties, reaching as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, short-term travel contracts for surgical technologists can offer enticing weekly rates of $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac positions. However, when evaluating employer types like hospitals versus specialty centers or travel agencies in University Place, it's crucial to consider the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating effectively remains paramount; professionals should highlight their certifications, including the CST credential and any specialization in robotic surgery, to maximize their hourly potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in University Place?
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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 University Place. 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 University Place 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