Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Asheville, NC: $33.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Asheville, NC runs $33.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Asheville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.5, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,395 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Asheville, NC, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $33.17. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $32.76, illustrating a slight edge in local compensation. For those working part-time, such as in hospital main operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers, this wage translates to a substantial income, even with a typical schedule of just three days a week. The hourly range for surgical technologists in Asheville spans from $22.16 for entry-level roles to $41.77 for top earners, providing a clear path for career advancement in various settings, including trauma OR suites and specialty surgical centers. Official BLS data indicates a positive growth outlook for this field, making now an auspicious time to pursue opportunities in surgical technology.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.16 | $177.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.35 | $234.83 |
| Median (P50) | $33.17 | $265.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.07 | $328.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.77 | $334.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Asheville
Based on $33.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.17/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Asheville, NC can expect to earn approximately $68,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,803. With a cost-of-living index of 96.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Asheville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Asheville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,326.78 | $5,749 | $68,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.07 | $3,450 | $41,395 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.71 | $2,300 | $27,597 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Asheville) | $33.17 |
| 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 Asheville, NC earn a median of $68,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.24% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 7.50% above the North Carolina state average of $64,171.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.17/hr = $41,395/year (purchasing power: $42,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,992/year (purchasing power: $71,490).
CoL index: 96.506 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Asheville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Asheville grew 33.9% from $23.51/hr (2019) to $31.47/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.96/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 Asheville 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 Asheville
Part-time surgical technologists in Asheville can expect to take home a different annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Working a standard 24-hour week at the median hourly rate can yield a considerable income that still positions them well above many other professions in the region. Additionally, per diem surgical technologist pay in Asheville varies significantly, with professionals commonly billing between $35 and $55 per hour. For those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery, this can rise to between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts can further increase earnings, with some weekly rates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 depending on specialty. Although some employers, such as military or VA units, may offer lower hourly rates, they often compensate with benefits like health insurance, which many surgical technologists find appealing. When negotiating pay, understanding the local market and emphasizing certifications such as the CST credential can help professionals secure optimal compensation reflective of their skills and training in this competitive field.
More salary data for Asheville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Asheville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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