Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Nogales, AZ: $30.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Nogales, AZ runs $30.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,225 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Nogales's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,936 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Nogales, Arizona, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $30.40, which falls below the national average of $32.76. This hourly rate can significantly impact part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week (24 hours), providing a reasonable income in hospital main operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. For per-diem surgical technologists, opportunities abound across various settings, including specialty surgical centers and robotic surgery rooms. Entry-level technologists can expect to start at around $21.88 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $41.82 per hour, illustrating a clear financial incentive for those pursuing advanced certifications in specialized areas like cardiovascular or neuro surgery.
About the Nogales Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.88 | $175.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.39 | $219.15 |
| Median (P50) | $30.40 | $243.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.92 | $287.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.82 | $334.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Nogales
Based on $30.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.40/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Nogales, AZ can expect to earn approximately $63,227 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,477. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Nogales.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Nogales
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.89 | $5,269 | $63,227 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.54 | $3,161 | $37,936 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.36 | $2,108 | $25,291 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Nogales) | $30.40 |
| 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 Nogales, AZ earn a median of $63,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.21% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.80% below the Arizona state average of $67,118.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.40/hr = $37,936/year (purchasing power: $38,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,227/year (purchasing power: $64,189).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Nogales (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Nogales grew 33.9% from $21.55/hr (2019) to $28.84/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.04/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 Nogales 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 Nogales
Focusing on the earning potential, a surgical technologist working part-time in Nogales could realistically take home a substantial salary annually, though it would naturally trail behind full-time counterparts. Per-diem surgical technologists often enjoy flexible scheduling, typically billing at rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neuro fields commanding rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can further boost earnings, with opportunities offering $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates can vary depending on the employer, with hospitals and surgical centers generally providing benefits that might offset slightly lower pay. It’s crucial for surgical technologists to negotiate effectively, emphasizing their skills, certifications, and the increasing demand for specialized training such as robotic surgery credentials to maximize their hourly pay in Nogales, AZ.
More salary data for Nogales, AZ:
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 Nogales. 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 Nogales 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