Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kenner, LA: $28.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kenner, LA runs $28.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kenner's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kenner, Louisiana, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $28.66, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This difference highlights the local economic dynamics and cost of living in the area, where surgical technologists typically work in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, such as in per diem surgical technologist positions, this hourly rate can be a substantial source of income. Entry-level surgical technologists may earn around $21.14, while top earners who may possess advanced certifications or specializations can see pay up to $44.19. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, providing a snapshot of potential earnings in this vital healthcare role.
About the Kenner Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.14 | $169.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.61 | $196.89 |
| Median (P50) | $28.66 | $229.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.20 | $289.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.19 | $353.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kenner
Based on $28.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.66/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kenner, LA can expect to earn approximately $59,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,390. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kenner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kenner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.33 | $4,967 | $59,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.80 | $2,980 | $35,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.53 | $1,987 | $23,844 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kenner) | $28.66 |
| 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 Kenner, LA earn a median of $59,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.52% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the Louisiana state average of $60,827.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.66/hr = $35,766/year (purchasing power: $39,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,609/year (purchasing power: $66,012).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kenner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kenner grew 33.9% from $20.31/hr (2019) to $27.19/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.21/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 Kenner 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 Kenner
For surgical technologists opting for part-time work, taking shifts three days per week at 24 hours can yield a noticeably different income compared to full-time positions. Part-time workers can expect to take home approximately $37,000 annually, a realistic figure that often attracts those balancing other commitments. Conversely, per-diem surgical technologists in Kenner may charge significantly more, typically billing in the range of $35-$55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro often commanding rates of $50-$75 per hour. Facilities such as hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers often offer varied hourly rates; those in military or VA surgical units may provide additional benefits that affect their pay structure. When negotiating, understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and health benefits is advantageous, allowing surgical technologists to make informed decisions that best suit their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Kenner, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kenner in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Kenner?
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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 Kenner. 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 Kenner 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