Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Lowell, MA: $39.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Lowell, MA runs $39.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Lowell's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,788 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lowell, Massachusetts, the surgical technologist hourly pay reaches a median of $39.89, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76, reflecting a robust demand for these skilled professionals. This hourly wage provides a solid income for individuals working part-time, such as those on a typical 3-day/week schedule, enabling them to earn a competitive rate while balancing personal time. The hourly range extends from $29.05 for entry-level positions to $61.42 for top earners, allowing for growth opportunities in various surgical environments, including hospital main operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. While these figures are derived from projected annual salaries, they provide a practical estimate of expected earnings for surgical technologists in Lowell.
About the Lowell 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) | $29.05 | $232.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.08 | $272.61 |
| Median (P50) | $39.89 | $319.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.24 | $401.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.42 | $491.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lowell
Based on $39.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.89/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lowell, MA can expect to earn approximately $82,979 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,873. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lowell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lowell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,595.76 | $6,915 | $82,979 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $957.45 | $4,149 | $49,788 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.30 | $2,766 | $33,192 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Lowell) | $39.89 |
| 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 Lowell, MA earn a median of $82,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.77% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,730.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.89/hr = $49,788/year (purchasing power: $45,887).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,979/year (purchasing power: $76,479).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lowell grew 33.9% from $28.28/hr (2019) to $37.85/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.05/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 Lowell 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 Lowell
Exploring the employment options reveals varied earning potentials for surgical technologists in Lowell, especially for those considering part-time and per-diem work. A surgical technologist working 24 hours per week stands to earn around $49,774 annually, which can be an attractive option for those preferring a flexible schedule. Per diem surgical technologists typically receive $35-$55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgery commanding rates as high as $50-$75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts can offer lucrative weekly earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac surgeries. Hourly rates fluctuate based on the workplace type, with surgical technologists in hospitals generally earning more than those in outpatient settings. Many professionals must weigh the benefits of higher hourly pay without employer-provided health insurance against more stable positions that include benefits. This nuanced decision can significantly impact overall compensation, making negotiation skills essential when discussing hourly rates.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lowell in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Lowell?
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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 Lowell. 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 Lowell 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