Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $31.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Waterford, MI runs $31.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,118 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,067 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, MI, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly wage of $31.30. This figure is slightly below the national median of $32.76, indicating a competitive yet unique local market for these professionals. For those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis—often three days per week in various surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms or surgical centers—this hourly pay translates into a reliable income stream. The hourly wage range spans from $22.89 for entry-level positions to $46.88 for the most experienced surgical technologists in the area. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the communities' diverse surgical environments that may demand different levels of expertise and certification, such as robotic surgery proficiency.
About the Waterford 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) | $22.89 | $183.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.74 | $213.92 |
| Median (P50) | $31.30 | $250.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.72 | $309.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.88 | $375.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $31.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.30/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $65,112 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,565. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,252.15 | $5,426 | $65,112 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $751.29 | $3,256 | $39,067 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.86 | $2,170 | $26,045 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Waterford) | $31.30 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $65,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.44% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $66,719.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.30/hr = $39,067/year (purchasing power: $41,918).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,112/year (purchasing power: $69,863).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Waterford grew 33.9% from $22.19/hr (2019) to $29.70/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.99/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
The earning potential for a part-time surgical technologist working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, amounts to approximately $39,073 annually—substantially lower than a full-time counterpart but a steady income nonetheless. Per diem surgical technologists in Waterford significantly benefit, often billing between $35 and $55 per hour, while specialists in cardiovascular or neurosurgery might command rates from $50 to $75. Travel surgical tech roles can greatly exceed these figures, offering up to $2,800 weekly, particularly for high-demand specialties. Earnings also differ based on the employer type, with hospitals generally providing trade-offs such as benefits and more stable hours compared to the variable but potentially higher-paying per diem roles. For those in Waterford, understanding the local market and having a solid grasp of negotiation strategies specific to hourly pay can be crucial—especially when factoring in health insurance needs that may influence the decision to choose between lower hourly rates with benefits or higher wages without.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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