Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $24.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Montgomery, AL runs $24.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,070 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $24.90, which is significantly lower than the national average of $32.76. This wage reflects the unique economic landscape of the region, where surgical technologists can often find work in various settings, including main operating rooms in hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and trauma operating rooms. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, or in per-diem positions, this hourly rate is crucial for determining their overall income. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $16.55 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach an hourly rate of $43.87, showcasing a clear progression in earning potential as skills and experience are honed. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data provides these insights into the hourly landscape for this essential role in surgical settings.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.55 | $132.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.76 | $150.09 |
| Median (P50) | $24.90 | $199.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.22 | $249.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.87 | $350.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $24.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.90/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $51,783 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,875. With a cost-of-living index of 89.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.82 | $4,315 | $51,783 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.49 | $2,589 | $31,070 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.33 | $1,726 | $20,713 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Montgomery) | $24.90 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $51,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.01% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.10% below the Alabama state average of $51,835.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.90/hr = $31,070/year (purchasing power: $34,644).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,783/year (purchasing power: $57,740).
CoL index: 89.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+83.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Montgomery grew 65.5% from $14.27/hr (2019) to $23.62/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.24/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
Analyzing the earnings potential for surgical technologists in Montgomery reveals more nuances, especially for part-time and per-diem workers. A surgical technologist working a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week could take home approximately $31,014 annually, whereas full-time professionals might see their earnings rise significantly higher. Per diem surgical technologists in Montgomery commonly command between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery possibly reaching rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can be even more lucrative, with weekly payouts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 for cardiovascular positions. Different employers also offer varying hourly rates, with hospitals generally paying less than specialty surgical centers and ambulance services. While some surgical technologists may choose lower-paying positions for the benefits, others seek higher pay without benefits for greater financial flexibility. Negotiating for higher wages or benefits is essential, especially given the local context and the demand for certified surgical technologists in Montgomery.
More salary data for Montgomery, 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 Montgomery. 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