Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Medford, MA: $39.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Medford, MA runs $39.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Medford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,064 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Medford, Massachusetts, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly rate of $39.31, significantly outpacing the national median of $32.76. This higher rate reflects the region's cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in operating rooms within hospitals, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. For those working part-time, such as on a 3-day work schedule, this pay translates effectively into a sustainable income, allowing flexibility in their work-life balance. The hourly earnings can vary considerably, ranging from $29.49 for entry-level positions to as much as $59.75 for experienced surgical technologists specializing in high-demand areas like trauma operating rooms or robotic surgery. Such a broad spectrum offers opportunities for various levels of experience to find rewarding roles in this essential healthcare profession.
About the Medford 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) | $29.49 | $235.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.16 | $273.28 |
| Median (P50) | $39.31 | $314.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.74 | $381.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.75 | $478.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Medford
Based on $39.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.31/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Medford, MA can expect to earn approximately $81,774 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,177. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Medford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Medford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,572.57 | $6,814 | $81,774 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $943.54 | $4,089 | $49,064 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.03 | $2,726 | $32,709 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Medford) | $39.31 |
| 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 Medford, MA earn a median of $81,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.00% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,761.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.31/hr = $49,064/year (purchasing power: $45,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,774/year (purchasing power: $75,367).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Medford grew 33.9% from $27.87/hr (2019) to $37.30/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.44/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 Medford 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 Medford
Considering the varying work arrangements, part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week can expect substantial annual compensation compared to full-time roles. While per diem surgical technologists in Medford typically bill between $35 and $55 per hour, those in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates up to $75 for their expertise, allowing for lucrative opportunities. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts may provide even more significant earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, particularly in high-demand settings. Although some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others prefer higher rates that come with no benefits, leading to unique considerations in negotiating pay. Thus, knowing the local market and individual employer offerings in Medford is crucial for surgical technologists to secure competitive compensation that aligns with their career goals and financial needs.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Medford in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Medford?
Are surgical technologists in Medford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Medford?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Medford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Medford. 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 Medford 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