Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Winston, NC: $30.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Winston, NC runs $30.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,210 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Winston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,528 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Surgical technologists in Winston, North Carolina, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.87 in 2026, which positions them slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This wage provides a solid foundation for those interested in part-time or per-diem work, as it equates to $30,000+ for a three-day workweek. Surgical techs typically find employment in various settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. The hourly pay range in Winston extends from $20.42 for entry-level positions to $37.79 for more experienced professionals. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlights the economic potential and opportunities available for surgical technologists in both permanent and per-diem roles.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.42 | $163.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.05 | $200.43 |
| Median (P50) | $30.87 | $246.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.73 | $269.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.79 | $302.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winston
Based on $30.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.87/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winston, NC can expect to earn approximately $64,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,046. With a cost-of-living index of 92.04 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,234.87 | $5,351 | $64,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $740.92 | $3,211 | $38,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.95 | $2,140 | $25,685 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Winston) | $30.87 |
| 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 Winston, NC earn a median of $64,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.77% lower than the national median of $68,141.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.87/hr = $38,528/year (purchasing power: $41,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,213/year (purchasing power: $69,764).
CoL index: 92.043 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Winston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Winston grew 43.5% from $20.41/hr (2019) to $29.29/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.54/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 Winston 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 Winston
For those who opt to work part-time, a surgical technologist working three days a week, translating to 24 hours, would yield an annual take-home amount significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem surgical technologists in Winston can command impressive hourly rates, often billing between $35 to $55, while those specializing in high-demand fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery may see rates soar to $50 to $75 per hour. With travel surgical tech contracts offering weekly amounts between $1,800 and $2,800, the earning potential is substantial but variable. Employers of surgical technologists in Winston, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and military surgical units, offer different hourly pay rates based on their requirements and benefits. Many surgical techs must weigh the pros and cons of lower hourly rates with benefits against higher pay without such safety nets. Understanding local negotiation standards can be beneficial; candidates should be prepared to advocate for competitive compensation based on their specialties and experience levels.
More salary data for Winston, 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 Winston. 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, 7-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