Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Coralville, IA: $29.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Coralville, IA runs $29.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Coralville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical technologists in Coralville, IA, have a median hourly pay of $29.02, which is below the national median of $32.76 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the financial landscape for various employment opportunities in the field, which include main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical units, and trauma OR suites. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into a feasible income, allowing a balance between work and personal life. Moreover, entry-level surgical technologists can expect hourly wages starting at $21.40, while experienced professionals working in specialized areas can earn up to $42.21 per hour. While these rates are projected from annual salary estimates, they provide a clear picture of compensation trends for surgical technologists in this growing market.
About the Coralville Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.40 | $171.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.71 | $197.65 |
| Median (P50) | $29.02 | $232.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.03 | $272.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.21 | $337.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Coralville
Based on $29.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.02/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Coralville, IA can expect to earn approximately $60,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,820. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Coralville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Coralville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,160.66 | $5,030 | $60,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.40 | $3,018 | $36,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.27 | $2,012 | $24,142 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Coralville) | $29.02 |
| 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 Coralville, IA earn a median of $60,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.42% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.90% below the Iowa state average of $63,467.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.02/hr = $36,213/year (purchasing power: $40,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,355/year (purchasing power: $66,764).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Coralville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Coralville grew 33.9% from $20.57/hr (2019) to $27.53/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.58/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 Coralville 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 Coralville
Part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week in Coralville can anticipate a significantly different financial outlook compared to their full-time counterparts. With the median hourly pay, those working part-time might earn around $36,000 annually, a figure that allows for a comfortable standard of living without the demands of full-time employment. For many practitioners, per diem surgical technologist pay in Coralville varies widely, with rates commonly billed between $35 and $55 per hour. The allure of higher specialty pay for cardiovascular and neuro procedures can see per diem rates spike to $50-$75 per hour, particularly for those willing to travel, with contracts sometimes offering weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Additionally, one must navigate the range of pay structures across different employer types in Coralville. Hospitals may offer more stable positions with benefits, while specialty centers or agency work often come with greater flexibility, albeit at the cost of those benefits. Negotiating effectively can involve leveraging certification credentials like CST or CAAHEP training, as well as the growing demand for skills in advanced robotic surgery, which can significantly impact potential earnings.
More salary data for Coralville, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Coralville in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Coralville?
Are surgical technologists in Coralville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Coralville?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Coralville?
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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 Coralville. 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 Coralville 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