Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $38.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $38.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Elizabeth, New Jersey, earn a median hourly rate of $38.08, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly pay of $32.76. This competitive hourly rate can be especially beneficial for part-time workers, who may choose a schedule of three days a week, allowing them to balance work-life commitments while still earning a respectable wage. For per-diem surgical technologists—who often work in diverse settings such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—this pay structure is attractive due to the flexibility it offers. The hourly rates for surgical technologists in the area range from approximately $27.96 at entry-level positions to as much as $59.03 for the most experienced professionals. These estimates reflect broader annual salary data that informs hourly pay classifications based on demand in various surgical environments.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.96 | $223.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.81 | $262.49 |
| Median (P50) | $38.08 | $304.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.20 | $385.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.03 | $472.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $38.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.08/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,209 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,697. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,523.24 | $6,601 | $79,209 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.94 | $3,960 | $47,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.30 | $2,640 | $31,683 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Elizabeth) | $38.08 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $79,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.26% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $78,511.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.08/hr = $47,525/year (purchasing power: $41,254).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,209/year (purchasing power: $68,757).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Elizabeth grew 33.9% from $26.99/hr (2019) to $36.13/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.14/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
For those considering a part-time role as a surgical technologist, working 24 hours per week could yield an annual income substantially less than their full-time counterparts. However, for per-diem surgical technologists, hourly earnings can be highly variable, with rates typically ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, while specialized fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates that climb even higher, often falling between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts in this profession also offer lucrative opportunities, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly in high-demand specialties. Different employer types in Elizabeth can influence hourly pay significantly; for example, surgical techs in military or VA surgical units might receive stable wages, while those at ambulatory surgery centers may earn less but with different benefits. When negotiating pay, surgical technologists should weigh the value of benefits offered against higher hourly rates without health insurance, remaining mindful of their long-term career goals in the evolving field of surgical technology.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Elizabeth in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Elizabeth?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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