Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Portland, ME: $33.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Portland, ME runs $33.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,469 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.9, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,685 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Portland, ME, surgical technologists bring home a median hourly pay of $33.40, which surpasses the national median of $32.76. This figure is particularly significant for those opting for part-time roles or per-diem positions, commonly found in settings like main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. The hourly pay can vary, ranging from about $24.49 for entry-level positions to as much as $50.60 for the highest earners in the field, indicating a solid earning potential for surgical technologists entering various specialized environments. Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, highlights the steady demand and competitive pay rates that define this profession in Portland.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.49 | $195.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.61 | $244.87 |
| Median (P50) | $33.40 | $267.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.81 | $310.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.60 | $404.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $33.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.40/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $69,475 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,082. With a cost-of-living index of 101.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,336.05 | $5,790 | $69,475 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $801.63 | $3,474 | $41,685 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $534.42 | $2,316 | $27,790 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Portland) | $33.40 |
| 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 Portland, ME earn a median of $69,469 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.95% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% above the Maine state average of $67,841.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.40/hr = $41,685/year (purchasing power: $40,924).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,475/year (purchasing power: $68,207).
CoL index: 101.858 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Portland grew 36.4% from $23.24/hr (2019) to $31.69/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.20/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 Portland 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 Portland
Focusing on part-time roles, a surgical technologist working three days a week would earn approximately $52,000 annually, providing a balance for professionals who seek flexibility. Per diem surgical technologists typically command rates between $35 to $55 per hour, with those experienced in cardiovascular or neuro specialties reaching between $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts significantly elevate earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, especially for in-demand specializations. Differences in hourly rates can also be felt across various employer types in Portland, with surgical techs in hospital operating rooms often receiving different compensation than those working in outpatient settings or specialty centers. Many techs might choose positions with lower hourly rates that offer health insurance, recognizing the trade-offs involved. For those negotiating their hourly rates, emphasizing specialized certifications, such as those from AST and NBSTSA, can enhance bargaining power, making skills in robotic surgery even more valuable in the Portland job market.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Portland?
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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 Portland. 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