Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Boone, NC: $29.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Boone, NC runs $29.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,276 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Boone's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,765 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Boone, North Carolina, surgical technologists earn a competitive median hourly rate of $29.46, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly pay provides a solid income for those working in various surgical environments, including hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. Surgical technologists typically work in shifts that can vary from full-time to part-time, with those on a part-time schedule, such as three days a week, having a flexible earning potential. The hourly pay range in Boone extends from $21.87 for entry-level positions up to $40.27 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the growth and specialization within this career. Hourly rates derived from estimated annual salaries suggest that while Boone's pay may not match national averages, it remains a viable option for those entering this profession.
About the Boone Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.87 | $174.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.21 | $201.69 |
| Median (P50) | $29.46 | $235.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.66 | $277.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.27 | $322.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boone
Based on $29.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.46/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boone, NC can expect to earn approximately $61,275 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,351. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boone.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boone
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.37 | $5,106 | $61,275 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.02 | $3,064 | $36,765 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.35 | $2,043 | $24,510 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Boone) | $29.46 |
| 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 Boone, NC earn a median of $61,276 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.60% below the North Carolina state average of $64,231.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.46/hr = $36,765/year (purchasing power: $39,279).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,275/year (purchasing power: $65,465).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Boone (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Boone grew 33.9% from $20.88/hr (2019) to $27.95/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.05/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 Boone 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 Boone
Analyzing the financial landscape for surgical technologists in Boone reveals various earning potentials, especially for those considering part-time work. For example, a surgical technologist working three days a week at 24 hours would bring home significantly less annually compared to full-time colleagues. Moreover, per-diem surgical technologists often command higher rates, typically billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty roles in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery reaching up to $75 per hour. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, often offering weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for positions in cardiac surgery. Hourly pay can vary greatly based on the employer type, with hospitals, VA units, and specialized centers each providing different compensation levels. Many professionals weigh the benefits of employment against hourly rates, finding that full-time positions often come with health insurance and job security, whereas agency work offers flexibility but less stability. Negotiating pay in Boone requires savvy, understanding local market dynamics to maximize earnings while considering the trade-offs related to compensation versus benefits.
More salary data for Boone, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Boone 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 Boone. 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 Boone 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