Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $31.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Columbia, MO runs $31.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,278 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Columbia, Missouri, earn a median hourly pay of $31.47, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This rate is indicative of the earning potential for those working in settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For surgical techs working part-time, specifically at a typical schedule of three days per week (about 24 hours), this hourly rate translates to a substantial income. Entry-level technicians may start at around $21.10, while experienced professionals can reach up to $48.78, reflecting a broad salary range that caters to various levels of expertise within the field.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.10 | $168.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.51 | $204.05 |
| Median (P50) | $31.47 | $251.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.14 | $321.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.78 | $390.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $31.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.47/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $65,463 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,767. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.90 | $5,455 | $65,463 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $755.34 | $3,273 | $39,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.56 | $2,182 | $26,185 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Columbia) | $31.47 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $65,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.94% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $64,427.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.47/hr = $39,278/year (purchasing power: $43,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,463/year (purchasing power: $73,061).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+76.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Columbia grew 58.7% from $18.82/hr (2019) to $29.86/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.17/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Analyzing the financial landscape of surgical technologists in Columbia reveals interesting insights about part-time versus full-time roles. A surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $39,360 annually, significantly lower than a full-time worker's potential earnings. Per diem surgical technologists in the region tend to thrive with higher hourly billing rates, often ranging from $35 to $55. Those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgical areas can earn between $50 and $75 per hour, while traveling surgical techs with contracts could earn between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. It’s essential to consider the type of employer, as hospitals generally offer more comprehensive health benefits compared to outpatient centers, where hourly rates might be higher but without health insurance. Surgical technologists should weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits when negotiating their contracts in Columbia, and securing better deals often requires understanding the local demand and specialty needs.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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