Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $23.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Decatur, AL runs $23.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,547 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,136 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $23.35, which falls significantly below the national median of $32.76. This disparity affects many professionals in the field, particularly those working part-time or per diem in environments like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For instance, a surgical technologist working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,120 per week, depending on their schedule and responsibilities. The hourly pay in Decatur can range from $18.74 for entry-level positions to approximately $30.79 for those at the top of the pay scale, highlighting the variation in compensation based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, which help guide expectations for aspiring surgical technologists in the area.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.74 | $149.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.15 | $153.21 |
| Median (P50) | $23.35 | $186.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.77 | $206.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.79 | $246.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $23.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.35/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $48,560 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,015. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.84 | $4,047 | $48,560 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.31 | $2,428 | $29,136 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.54 | $1,619 | $19,424 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Decatur) | $23.35 |
| 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 Decatur, AL earn a median of $48,547 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.76% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.30% below the Alabama state average of $51,811.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.35/hr = $29,136/year (purchasing power: $33,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,560/year (purchasing power: $55,680).
CoL index: 87.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Decatur grew 33.9% from $16.55/hr (2019) to $22.15/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.61/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Part-time surgical technologists in Decatur can realize a decent return even while working fewer hours. If someone were to work a standard 24-hour week, their earnings could translate to around $58,572 annually, a sum that is competitive but still not reflective of wages in larger markets, where specialty and travel opportunities flourish. Per diem surgical technologists may find even more lucrative pay, billing anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, especially in high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which can command rates between $50 and $75 per hour. When comparing workplaces, hourly rates often vary between hospitals, outpatient facilities, and travel agencies. Many in the profession face a decision between slightly lower hourly wages with benefits or opting for higher pay without additional health coverage. Negotiating an hourly rate can be key; understanding local market conditions and emphasizing specialized skills, such as robotic surgery certification, could lead to more favorable pay outcomes for surgical technologists in Decatur.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
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 Decatur. 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, 3-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