Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $36.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Passaic, NJ runs $36.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,104 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, New Jersey, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $36.94, significantly above the national average hourly rate of $32.76. This competitive compensation is advantageous for surgical technologists in various employment settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For part-time workers, often scheduled for three days a week, and those seeking per-diem positions, the potential for consistent income is appealing. Entry-level surgical techs can expect around $27.19 per hour, while those at the top 10% of their field may earn up to $56.88 per hour. Such a robust hourly rate reflects the demand and specialized training in surgical technology, where obtaining credentials like the CST from NBSTSA can further enhance earning possibilities.
About the Passaic 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) | $27.19 | $217.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.68 | $253.47 |
| Median (P50) | $36.94 | $295.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.63 | $373.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.88 | $455.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $36.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.94/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,841 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,331. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,477.71 | $6,403 | $76,841 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $886.62 | $3,842 | $46,104 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.08 | $2,561 | $30,736 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Passaic) | $36.94 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $76,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.76% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $78,483.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.94/hr = $46,104/year (purchasing power: $40,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,841/year (purchasing power: $66,702).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Passaic grew 33.9% from $26.19/hr (2019) to $35.05/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.94/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Working as a part-time surgical technologist in Passaic could yield substantial annual earnings, even when averaging only 24 hours per week, leading to a stable income while maintaining flexibility. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Passaic ranges from approximately $35 to $55 per hour, with specialty areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery often commanding up to $75 per hour. Furthermore, travel surgical technologist contracts offer lucrative options, allowing for weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800. The variations in hourly pay are influenced by the type of employer; surgical techs in hospitals may receive benefits like health insurance, while those in ambulatory surgical centers or as per-diem workers might opt for higher pay without the associated benefits. For surgical technologists negotiating hourly rates in Passaic, understanding the distinct pay structures and the importance of certifications like the CST can be advantageous in securing a competitive wage.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Passaic in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Passaic?
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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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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