Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Valdosta, GA: $23.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Valdosta, GA runs $23.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Valdosta's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,346 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Valdosta, Georgia, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $23.51 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $32.76. This wage indicates that surgical technologists in Valdosta may earn considerably less than their counterparts in other regions, making it vital for those considering part-time or per-diem work to evaluate their earning potential. For instance, a surgical technologist working three days per week would clock approximately 24 hours, translating to around $28,078 annually. Entry-level professionals in this role can expect to earn about $18.43 per hour, while the top earners in the specialty can make $28.04 per hour, reflecting a range that accommodates the diverse expertise required in various surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.43 | $147.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.77 | $158.18 |
| Median (P50) | $23.51 | $188.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.04 | $224.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.04 | $224.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valdosta
Based on $23.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.51/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valdosta, GA can expect to earn approximately $48,911 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,218. With a cost-of-living index of 88.27 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valdosta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valdosta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $940.59 | $4,076 | $48,911 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.35 | $2,446 | $29,346 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.24 | $1,630 | $19,564 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Valdosta) | $23.51 |
| 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 Valdosta, GA earn a median of $48,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.21% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 22.50% below the Georgia state average of $63,118.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.51/hr = $29,346/year (purchasing power: $33,246).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,911/year (purchasing power: $55,410).
CoL index: 88.271 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Valdosta grew 17.3% from $19.02/hr (2019) to $22.31/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.78/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 Valdosta 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 Valdosta
When analyzing the earning landscape for surgical technologists in Valdosta, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications of part-time and per-diem arrangements. A surgical technologist working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate could take home about $28,078 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time professionals who generally earn more. Per diem surgical technologists often bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding even higher rates, ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can be lucrative too, providing weekly pay of $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for high-demand specialties. Additionally, hourly pay rates can vary across employer types, with hospital operating rooms typically offering stability and benefits, while ambulatory surgical centers may provide less in terms of hourly pay but more flexibility. Many surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly rates available in agency roles without benefits. For professionals in Valdosta looking to negotiate pay, emphasizing specialized certification, such as the CST from NBSTSA, can enhance earning potential and job assignments.
More salary data for Valdosta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Valdosta in 2026?
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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 Valdosta. 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