Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $39.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Chelsea, MA runs $39.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,992 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Chelsea's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,196 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, a surgical technologist earns a median hourly rate of $39.42, significantly outpacing the national median of $32.76. This competitive compensation reflects the sector’s demand, particularly in diverse environments such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, the hourly wages present a solid opportunity with potential earnings ranging from $28.75 for entry-level roles to $56.07 for experienced professionals. Moreover, these figures are drawn from estimated annual salary data, indicating a strong financial incentive for both full-time and per-diem surgical technologists to aim for positions that maximize their hourly pay in this vibrant community.
About the Chelsea 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) | $28.75 | $230.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.50 | $267.97 |
| Median (P50) | $39.42 | $315.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.39 | $379.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.07 | $448.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $39.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.42/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, MA can expect to earn approximately $81,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,304. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,576.78 | $6,833 | $81,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $946.07 | $4,100 | $49,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $630.71 | $2,733 | $32,797 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Chelsea) | $39.42 |
| 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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $81,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.33% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,736.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.42/hr = $49,196/year (purchasing power: $45,342).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,993/year (purchasing power: $75,569).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Chelsea grew 33.9% from $27.94/hr (2019) to $37.40/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.55/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Part-time surgical technologists working in Chelsea can expect annual earnings that differ substantially from their full-time counterparts. For instance, a surgical technologist working three days a week and clocking 24 hours might bring home around $49,163 annually, compared to higher figures for those working full-time. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Chelsea typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialty fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Agencies offering travel surgical tech contracts pay $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, especially for cardiac roles, reflecting the higher demand for skilled professionals in these areas. The type of employer also impacts earnings; positions in hospital operating rooms may offer more competitive packages, including benefits, while ambulatory and specialty surgical centers may entice workers with higher hourly pay but fewer perks. Ultimately, surgical technologists in Chelsea need to assess the trade-offs of hourly pay versus the benefits provided to make informed career decisions. Negotiation can also be key in this context; understanding the local market and articulating one’s qualifications, particularly in high-demand specialties, can lead to better hourly offers in this competitive field.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Chelsea in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Chelsea?
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Related Pages
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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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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