Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $32.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $32.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,126 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,882 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical technologists in Sterling Heights, Michigan, earn a median hourly rate of $32.76, aligning perfectly with the national average of $32.76 per hour in 2026. This parity offers a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers, with part-time surgical techs working three days a week likely to earn around $1,045 weekly, translating to approximately $54,340 annually, assuming a consistent schedule. Entry-level surgical technologists start at about $22.21 an hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $50.77 per hour or more, depending on their experience and specialized training. Surgical technologists often work in various environments, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and trauma OR suites, each with different pay scales. The estimated hourly rates derive from the annual salary benchmarks, reflecting the ongoing demand for qualified surgical professionals in the region.
For those considering different working styles, part-time surgical technologists can see substantial variance in their earning potential compared to full-time roles. On average, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week may take home an annual income of roughly $54,340. In contrast, per diem surgical technologists have the opportunity to command higher rates, often billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular and neuro surgery yielding even more competitive rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts also present lucrative options, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for high-demand specialties like cardiac procedures. Earnings vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with hospitals typically offering more benefits, while specialty surgical centers may provide higher hourly pay without insurance. When negotiating hourly wages in Sterling Heights, surgical technologists should consider the benefits of full-time employment versus the flexibility and potentially higher pay available in per diem or agency work. It's vital to weigh these factors against personal career goals and lifestyle needs, especially as certifications like CST and specialized training in robotic surgery continue to shape income and job security in the profession.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.21 | $177.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.73 | $213.84 |
| Median (P50) | $32.76 | $262.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.93 | $319.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.77 | $406.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $32.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.76/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $68,137 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,310. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,310.33 | $5,678 | $68,137 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.20 | $3,407 | $40,882 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.13 | $2,271 | $27,255 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Sterling Heights) | $32.76 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $68,126 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.02% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $66,725.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.76/hr = $40,882/year (purchasing power: $43,865).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,137/year (purchasing power: $73,109).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sterling Heights grew 33.9% from $23.22/hr (2019) to $31.08/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.53/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 Sterling Heights 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.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sterling Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Sterling Heights?
Are surgical technologists in Sterling Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Sterling Heights?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling Heights?
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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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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