Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $34.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Salem, NH runs $34.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,816 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Salem, New Hampshire, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $34.31. This figure not only surpasses the national hourly median of $32.76 but also illustrates the value placed on these professionals in the local healthcare landscape. For those working part-time, such as on a typical three-day-per-week schedule, this translates to significant earnings opportunities. General practice in various surgical settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites, allows a range from entry-level positions earning approximately $24.15 to top earners reaching $48.99 per hour. The prevalence of these roles in Salem reflects a growing demand for skilled surgical technologists, supported by local cost-of-living characteristics. Hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and give a clearer picture of immediate financial expectations in this profession.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.15 | $193.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.51 | $228.09 |
| Median (P50) | $34.31 | $274.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.35 | $330.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.99 | $391.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $34.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.31/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $71,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,169. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,372.31 | $5,947 | $71,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $823.38 | $3,568 | $42,816 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $548.92 | $2,379 | $28,544 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Salem) | $34.31 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $71,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $73,104.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.31/hr = $42,816/year (purchasing power: $39,903).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,360/year (purchasing power: $66,505).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salem grew 33.9% from $24.32/hr (2019) to $32.55/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.16/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 Salem 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 Salem
Part-time surgical technologists in Salem, working around 24 hours a week, would take home an estimated annual income that can be quite competitive, especially in the context of per diem opportunities. Though part-time workers may see fluctuating income levels, per diem surgical technologists commonly bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery often commanding rates of $50-$75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can also offer lucrative pay, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, providing choice regarding their work arrangements and financial preferences. The hourly rates in Salem tend to vary across employer types, with surgical technologists in hospitals typically receiving different compensation compared to those in specialty centers or military units. Additionally, some individuals may opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance benefits rather than taking higher hourly wages without additional perks. For those in Salem looking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding local market rates and demonstrating specialized training, such as certification from the NBSTSA or expertise in robotic surgeries, can be advantageous.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Salem?
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Related Pages
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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