Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Pocatello, ID: $30.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Pocatello, ID runs $30.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,766 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Pocatello's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,660 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pocatello, Idaho, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $30.18, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate provides opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, making it attractive for those who prefer flexible schedules. Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week can enjoy a steady income without committing to a full-time role, while per-diem workers have the potential to earn more, depending on their assignments. Entry-level professionals in this field might start around $26.65 per hour, while experienced surgical technologists can bring in as much as $38.67 an hour in Pocatello's diverse healthcare settings, which include hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.65 | $213.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.18 | $241.41 |
| Median (P50) | $30.18 | $241.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.84 | $302.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.67 | $309.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pocatello
Based on $30.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.18/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pocatello, ID can expect to earn approximately $62,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,211. With a cost-of-living index of 88.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pocatello.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pocatello
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,207.04 | $5,231 | $62,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $724.22 | $3,138 | $37,660 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.82 | $2,092 | $25,106 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Pocatello) | $30.18 |
| 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 Pocatello, ID earn a median of $62,766 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.89% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Idaho state average of $64,908.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.18/hr = $37,660/year (purchasing power: $42,359).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,766/year (purchasing power: $70,598).
CoL index: 88.906 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Pocatello grew 33.9% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $28.63/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.81/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 Pocatello 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 Pocatello
Given the intricacies of the pay structure in this profession, a part-time surgical technologist working 24 hours a week typically takes home about $37,580 annually, a figure that reflects a strong balance for those seeking less than full-time hours. On the other hand, per diem surgical technologists may bill between $35-$55 an hour, with specialized roles such as cardiovascular and neuro surgical technologists commanding rates of $50-$75 an hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can be particularly lucrative, offering weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially in high-demand specialties. Employment in different venues affects earnings; surgical techs in hospitals generally earn more than those in smaller outpatient clinics. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others might pursue higher-paying roles that lack those perks. Negotiating hourly rates in Pocatello can be strategic, with factors such as specialty certifications, local demand, and accrued experience coming into play.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Pocatello in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Pocatello?
Are surgical technologists in Pocatello paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Pocatello?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Pocatello?
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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 Pocatello. 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