Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Toms River, NJ: $37.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Toms River, NJ runs $37.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,393 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Toms River's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,433 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Toms River, New Jersey, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $37.21, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $32.76 by over 13%. This competitive rate enhances the viability of part-time roles or per-diem positions, which are typical for surgical technologists. For those working three days a week, they can anticipate a substantial paycheck, particularly in high-demand settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. Entry-level surgical technologists can start around $27.82 per hour, while highly experienced top earners can command rates as high as $54.11 per hour, demonstrating a broad range of earning potential based on experience and specialization.
About the Toms River 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) | $27.82 | $222.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.23 | $257.85 |
| Median (P50) | $37.21 | $297.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.06 | $360.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.11 | $432.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Toms River
Based on $37.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.21/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Toms River, NJ can expect to earn approximately $77,389 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,647. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Toms River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Toms River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,488.25 | $6,449 | $77,389 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $892.95 | $3,869 | $46,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.30 | $2,580 | $30,956 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Toms River) | $37.21 |
| 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 Toms River, NJ earn a median of $77,393 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% below the New Jersey state average of $78,492.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.21/hr = $46,433/year (purchasing power: $40,307).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,389/year (purchasing power: $67,178).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Toms River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Toms River grew 33.9% from $26.37/hr (2019) to $35.30/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.22/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 Toms River 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 Toms River
Looking closer at the financial landscape, a surgical technologist working part-time, say for 24 hours a week, can expect a yearly take-home significantly influenced by their per-hour pay. In contrast to their full-time counterparts, who see consistent weekly earnings, part-time and per-diem roles offer more variable income potential. Per-diem surgical technologists generally earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery attracting higher rates, often reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts for surgical technologists can be particularly lucrative, sometimes offering weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800. Hospitals and surgical centers in Toms River may provide lower hourly rates but balance this with benefits such as health insurance, making it a trade-off for some professionals. As surgical technologists consider their options, effective negotiation around hourly rates can be key, especially for those beginning to build their careers under the federal CST hiring standard or those advancing through CAAHEP-accredited programs.
More salary data for Toms River, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Toms River in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Toms River?
Are surgical technologists in Toms River paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Toms River?
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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 Toms River. 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 Toms River 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