Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Gainesville, GA: $28.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Gainesville, GA runs $28.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,210 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Gainesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,121 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gainesville, Georgia, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $28.94 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $32.76, reflecting a difference in local market dynamics. For those working part-time, such as a surgical technologist on a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates into a manageable income, particularly valuable in hospital settings and various surgical environments, including specialty surgical centers and trauma operating rooms. With an hourly range of $21.69 at the entry level to $41.89 for top earners, there is potential for growth as one gains experience and certification in high-demand areas like robotic surgery or cardiovascular procedures. These numbers, derived from annual salary estimates, shape the expectations for new professionals entering this field.
About the Gainesville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.69 | $173.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.00 | $200.01 |
| Median (P50) | $28.94 | $231.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.78 | $286.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.89 | $335.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gainesville
Based on $28.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.94/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gainesville, GA can expect to earn approximately $60,201 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,731. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gainesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gainesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,157.71 | $5,017 | $60,201 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.63 | $3,010 | $36,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.09 | $2,007 | $24,080 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Gainesville) | $28.94 |
| 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 Gainesville, GA earn a median of $60,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.64% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $63,179.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.94/hr = $36,121/year (purchasing power: $38,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,201/year (purchasing power: $64,663).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Gainesville grew 33.9% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $27.46/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.51/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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville
Analyzing the earning potential for surgical technologists reveals interesting insights about part-time and per-diem work. For those working three days a week, the annual income remains significantly below that of full-time employees, making this arrangement more favorable for those prioritizing flexibility over maximum earnings. Per diem surgical technologists in Gainesville typically earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles, especially in cardiovascular and neuro fields, commanding rates that peak at $75. The differences in hourly pay across various employer types are substantial; while hospitals may provide benefits with lower rates, ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical outlets may offer more competitive pay at the cost of job security and health coverage. Negotiating hourly wages in Gainesville should involve understanding these variances and leveraging one's skills and certifications, especially in in-demand specialties, to secure the best possible compensation.
More salary data for Gainesville, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Gainesville in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Gainesville?
Are surgical technologists in Gainesville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Gainesville?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Gainesville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville 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