Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $30.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Sanford, NC runs $30.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,975 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, North Carolina, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $30.43, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $32.76. This rate presents a significant opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers within typical surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For those choosing part-time work at three days per week, the hourly rate translates into a practical and often beneficial income stream, while per-diem workers in Sanford can structure their earnings according to their schedules and preferences. Entry-level surgical technologists start at approximately $21.85 per hour, with top professionals in the field reaching up to $44.14 per hour, reflecting a competitive pay range that caters to both novice and seasoned practitioners.
About the Sanford 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) | $21.85 | $174.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.68 | $205.40 |
| Median (P50) | $30.43 | $243.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.04 | $296.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.14 | $353.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $30.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.43/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $63,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,515. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.16 | $5,274 | $63,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.30 | $3,165 | $37,975 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.86 | $2,110 | $25,317 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Sanford) | $30.43 |
| 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 Sanford, NC earn a median of $63,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $64,196.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.43/hr = $37,975/year (purchasing power: $40,572).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,292/year (purchasing power: $67,620).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sanford grew 33.9% from $21.57/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.07/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Examining the earning potential for surgical technologists provides further insight into the profession's financial landscape in Sanford. Part-time surgical techs working three days a week can expect to earn around $37,514 annually based on their hourly involvement, which stands in contrast to full-time professionals who command a more stable income over the year. The per diem trend offers even greater variability; these workers often charge between $35 and $55 per hour, and specialists in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates as high as $75 per hour. While hospitals typically provide better benefits that may lead to lower hourly pay, specialty surgical centers and travel agencies often provide higher rates but lack comprehensive health insurance options. As such, surgical technologists must carefully consider the trade-offs between higher pay and job stability, especially when negotiating their compensation in this evolving market.
More salary data for Sanford, 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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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