Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $31.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Independence, MO runs $31.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,449 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $31.61 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This figure not only reflects the demand for surgical techs in local healthcare settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities, but it also highlights the flexibility of working part-time or per-diem roles. For instance, a surgical technologist working three days a week would still earn a decent income that meets the needs of many healthcare professionals seeking a balanced work-life dynamic. The hourly wage ranges from $22.99 at entry-level positions to $48.99 for the most experienced techs, showcasing a robust market for both new entrants and seasoned professionals aiming for higher earnings in Independence.
About the Independence 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) | $22.99 | $183.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.97 | $215.77 |
| Median (P50) | $31.61 | $252.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.51 | $308.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.99 | $391.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $31.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.61/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $65,748 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,931. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,264.38 | $5,479 | $65,748 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.63 | $3,287 | $39,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.75 | $2,192 | $26,299 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Independence) | $31.61 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $65,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.52% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $64,392.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.61/hr = $39,449/year (purchasing power: $44,027).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,748/year (purchasing power: $73,379).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Independence grew 33.9% from $22.41/hr (2019) to $29.99/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.32/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 Independence 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 Independence
The part-time potential for those in the surgical technologist role can significantly affect annual earnings, especially for a technician working 24 hours weekly, who could see a more predictable income stream. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Independence can vary widely, with rates between $35 and $55 per hour for general roles, and even higher rates of $50 to $75 for specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Travel surgical tech contracts, which are increasingly common, can command between $1,800 and $2,800 a week, depending on the demand and location. Hourly rates fluctuate based on employer type, where surgical technologists employed in military units or VA surgical suites may earn differently compared to those in private hospitals or outpatient centers. Many choose lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prioritize higher pay, even without additional perks. To negotiate effectively in Independence, aspiring surgical techs should emphasize specialized training, certifications like CST, and any relevant experience to position themselves favorably in compensation conversations.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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