Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $41.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Boston, MA runs $41.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,537 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $41.30, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This discrepancy illustrates the potential financial benefits of working as a surgical technologist in this metropolitan area, particularly for those in part-time roles or seeking per-diem opportunities. Typically, part-time surgical technologists working three days a week can expect to bring home a substantial income, as the hourly pay reflects their essential skills in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. The hourly rates for surgical technologists in Boston range from $31.26 at the entry level to as much as $58.96 for those at the top of their field, showcasing the potential for growth and specialization in this profession.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.26 | $250.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.00 | $303.97 |
| Median (P50) | $41.30 | $330.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.45 | $403.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.96 | $471.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $41.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.30/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $85,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,555. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.83 | $7,158 | $85,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.10 | $4,295 | $51,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.73 | $2,863 | $34,358 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Boston) | $41.30 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $85,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.06% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.80% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,756.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.30/hr = $51,537/year (purchasing power: $47,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,895/year (purchasing power: $79,337).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Boston grew 44.2% from $27.17/hr (2019) to $39.18/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.53/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 Boston 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 Boston
The part-time earnings for surgical technologists illustrate a favorable landscape for those choosing flexible work arrangements. A surgical technologist working 24 hours per week can expect an annual income that rivals full-time pay, particularly if they engage in per-diem roles. Per-diem surgical technologists in Boston typically bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery often commanding $50 to $75 per hour. Traveling surgical technologists can earn even more, with contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. These hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, university hospitals may offer different compensation compared to VA surgical units or specialty surgical centers. While some surgical technologists may choose positions that offer lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might prefer the higher pay associated with per-diem roles that lack those perks. Negotiating hourly pay in Boston may require savvy conversation about skills, the value of certification from accredited programs, and experience in high-demand specialties such as robotic surgery.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 Boston. 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