Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $31.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Louisville, KY runs $31.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, KY, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $31.89 by 2026, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This figure serves as a benchmark for various work arrangements, including part-time shifts typically spanning three days a week, which may amount to about 72 hours a month. For part-time and per-diem surgical technologists, primarily working in operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers, this hourly rate could lead to a decent but variable monthly income. The hourly pay spectrum extends from $20.91 for entry-level positions to about $49.43 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse settings such as trauma OR suites, sterile processing departments, and specialty surgical centers that these technologists may operate in.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.91 | $167.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.60 | $204.81 |
| Median (P50) | $31.89 | $255.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.14 | $321.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.43 | $395.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $31.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.89/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $66,340 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,273. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,275.76 | $5,528 | $66,340 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.46 | $3,317 | $39,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.30 | $2,211 | $26,536 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Louisville) | $31.89 |
| 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 Louisville, KY earn a median of $66,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $60,863.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.89/hr = $39,804/year (purchasing power: $44,573).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,340/year (purchasing power: $74,288).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Louisville grew 33.9% from $22.61/hr (2019) to $30.26/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.62/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
When considering the part-time earning potential, a surgical technologist in Louisville working three days a week (roughly 24 hours monthly) might earn around $7,668 annually—substantially lower than a full-time counterpart but offering flexibility. Per diem surgical technologists often experience varying pay scales; for instance, they typically bill between $35 and $55 per hour, while specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts add another dimension, with earnings potentially reaching $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. The pay can differ considerably based on the employer type—hospitals generally provide thorough benefits, while specialty centers may offer higher wages with limited perks. This trade-off forces many surgical technologists to weigh the importance of steady health insurance against obtaining higher hourly pay without benefits. For those working in Louisville, negotiating effectively involves highlighting specialized experiences, technological proficiencies, and the increasing demand for surgical technologists, especially in robotic surgery settings.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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