Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Charleston, WV: $24.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Charleston, WV runs $24.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,762 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.7, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,056 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The surgical technologist hourly pay in Charleston, West Virginia is projected to be $24.88 in 2026, which significantly falls short of the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This discrepancy highlights the local market's dynamics, particularly for those working part-time in settings such as hospital operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers, where many professionals often work three days per week. Within Charleston, the hourly pay ranges from $18.82 for entry-level positions to as much as $32.23 for experienced surgical technologists, emphasizing the potential for significant variation based on experience and specialty. According to projections from 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures will shape the earning landscape for surgical technologists in WV and reflect the competitive nature of the industry amid ongoing advancements in surgical technology.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.82 | $150.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.03 | $160.21 |
| Median (P50) | $24.88 | $199.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.65 | $253.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.23 | $257.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $24.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.88/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, WV can expect to earn approximately $51,761 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,862. With a cost-of-living index of 88.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.40 | $4,313 | $51,761 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.24 | $2,588 | $31,056 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.16 | $1,725 | $20,704 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Charleston) | $24.88 |
| 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 Charleston, WV earn a median of $51,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.04% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 12.20% below the West Virginia state average of $58,954.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.88/hr = $31,056/year (purchasing power: $35,006).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,761/year (purchasing power: $58,344).
CoL index: 88.717 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Charleston grew 37.3% from $17.19/hr (2019) to $23.61/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.23/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
Considering the opportunity for part-time work, a surgical technologist in Charleston providing care three days a week, for 24 hours, can expect to take home around $30,972 annually, which is considerably lower compared to full-time roles in the region. Per diem surgical technologists can command hourly rates between $35 and $55, while those specializing in cardiovascular or neuro procedures can exceed $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts, particularly in high-demand specialties, can fetch between $1,800 and $2,800 a week, presenting a lucrative option for some in this field. Earnings can fluctuate based on the type of employer—hospital settings may provide benefits but lower hourly rates compared to per diem opportunities at specialty centers, such as those focused on orthopedic or cardiothoracic surgeries. Surgical technologists in Charleston should assess the trade-offs carefully, as accepting a lower hourly wage with established benefits can sometimes outweigh the allure of higher per diem pay without health insurance. Developing negotiation skills tailored to hourly work in healthcare will also help secure better compensation in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Charleston, WV:
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 Charleston. 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, 6-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