Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Union, NJ: $38.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Union, NJ runs $38.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,246 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Union's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union, New Jersey, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $38.10, which is significantly higher than the national average of $32.76. This premium can make a substantial difference for part-time workers or per-diem surgical technologists who typically work in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into solid weekly earnings, while entry-level positions start at around $26.73 per hour, with top earners potentially bringing in up to $55.84 per hour. The hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, suggest that surgical technologists in Union enjoy competitive pay for their critical roles in the surgical process, reflecting the advanced skill sets and certifications, such as the CST credential, that many professionals possess.
About the Union 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) | $26.73 | $213.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.81 | $254.48 |
| Median (P50) | $38.10 | $304.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.40 | $371.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.84 | $446.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union
Based on $38.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.10/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union, NJ can expect to earn approximately $79,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,723. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,524.08 | $6,604 | $79,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $914.45 | $3,963 | $47,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.63 | $2,642 | $31,701 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Union) | $38.10 |
| 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 Union, NJ earn a median of $79,246 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.30% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.00% above the New Jersey state average of $78,461.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.10/hr = $47,551/year (purchasing power: $41,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,252/year (purchasing power: $68,795).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Union (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Union grew 33.9% from $27.01/hr (2019) to $36.15/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.16/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 Union 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 Union
The earning potential for part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week indicates a yearly income lower than their full-time counterparts. However, even on a part-time schedule, they may see a respectable income that can contribute substantially to their overall financial goals. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in Union typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, while those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates between $50 and $75 per hour. Some professionals might opt for travel contracts which can yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, particularly within cardiac surgery. In Union, hourly wages can vary based on employer type; hospital operating rooms usually offer stability and benefits, while ambulatory and specialty surgical centers may provide higher pay but less job security. This trade-off between hourly wage and benefits is a significant consideration for many surgical technologists, with some choosing to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance and retirement plans. Effective negotiation tips, such as understanding market rates and assessing the value of benefits versus hourly rates, can be advantageous for surgical technologists looking to maximize their earning potential in this vibrant sector.
More salary data for Union, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Union in 2026?
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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 Union. 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 Union 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