Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $31.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Lexington, KY runs $31.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,133 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in Lexington, Kentucky, can expect a median hourly pay of $31.36, which falls slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or for those taking on per-diem roles in various environments like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical units. The pay structure in Lexington shows a range from $24.57 for entry-level roles to $41.26 for those at the top of their field, providing opportunities for growth and specialization that align with the demands of surgical technology. These figures are drawn from official BLS data and reflect the ongoing need for skilled surgical technologists in the local healthcare landscape.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.57 | $196.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.34 | $210.72 |
| Median (P50) | $31.36 | $250.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.41 | $267.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.26 | $330.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $31.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.36/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $65,222 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,628. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.26 | $5,435 | $65,222 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.56 | $3,261 | $39,133 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.70 | $2,174 | $26,089 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Lexington) | $31.36 |
| 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 Lexington, KY earn a median of $65,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.30% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.20% above the Kentucky state average of $60,831.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.36/hr = $39,133/year (purchasing power: $42,129).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,222/year (purchasing power: $70,214).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lexington grew 42.9% from $20.82/hr (2019) to $29.75/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.05/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
For those considering part-time work as surgical technologists, a typical 24-hour weekly schedule could yield different annual earnings compared to full-time positions. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in Lexington varies widely, with many billing rates between $35 and $55 per hour. Specialty positions in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can command hourly rates as high as $50 to $75. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts may provide lucrative weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for those in high-demand specialties. The type of employer also influences compensation; hospitals often provide benefits that justify lower hourly rates, while agencies might offer higher pay but without health insurance. Surgical technologists should be prepared to negotiate effectively, considering both the potential benefits and pay when determining their career paths in Lexington's diverse healthcare sector.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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, 7-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