Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $37.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Chelmsford, MA runs $37.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,196 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, command a median hourly rate of $37.82, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This robust hourly pay provides opportunities for part-time professionals and per-diem workers within various surgical settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma operating rooms. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $27.99 per hour, while those in the upper echelons of the profession may reach $55.85, reflecting a competitive environment where skilled workers are valued for their training and expertise. These hourly estimates derive from projected annual salary data for 2026, offering a clear picture of the earning potential within this field.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.99 | $223.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.53 | $260.21 |
| Median (P50) | $37.82 | $302.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.63 | $373.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.85 | $446.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $37.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.82/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,381. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,512.70 | $6,555 | $78,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $907.62 | $3,933 | $47,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $605.08 | $2,622 | $31,464 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Chelmsford) | $37.82 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $78,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.44% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,712.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.82/hr = $47,196/year (purchasing power: $43,499).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,660/year (purchasing power: $72,498).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Chelmsford grew 33.9% from $26.81/hr (2019) to $35.88/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.86/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time surgical technologists reveals interesting dynamics. A surgical technologist working three days a week, accumulating 24 hours, might earn approximately $47,179 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who pursue a more comprehensive schedule. Per diem surgical technologists, especially those with specialized skills in cardiovascular or neurosurgery, commonly earn between $35-$55 per hour, with some lucrative cardiovascular contracts reaching $50-$75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts in Chelmsford can be quite lucrative, with weekly earnings ranging between $1,800 and $2,800, particularly for those focusing on cardiac surgery. Different employer types impact hourly rates significantly, with hospitals generally offering more comprehensive benefits packages, which may lead some surgical technologists to opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for job security and health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay can also be strategic; knowing the industry rate and being aware of the demand for specialized certifications can empower surgical technologists to advocate for higher wages while balancing the trade-offs of hourly pay versus benefits in their roles.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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