Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $32.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Cincinnati, OH runs $32.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,876 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,133 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cincinnati, a surgical technologist can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.16. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $32.76, reflecting regional variations in pay and demand for surgical technologists. For those working part-time in hospital main operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers—often three days a week—this hourly rate can yield a substantial paycheck for a skilled professional. The hourly range for surgical technologists in the area spans from $24.87 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $41.56 for top earners, allowing for a diverse range of opportunities depending on individual experience and specialization, especially in high-demand fields such as robotic surgery and critical care. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.87 | $199.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.14 | $249.08 |
| Median (P50) | $32.16 | $257.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.80 | $318.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.56 | $332.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $32.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.16/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $66,888 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,589. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,286.30 | $5,574 | $66,888 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $771.78 | $3,344 | $40,133 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $514.52 | $2,230 | $26,755 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Cincinnati) | $32.16 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $66,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.86% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.10% above the Ohio state average of $65,501.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.16/hr = $40,133/year (purchasing power: $42,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,888/year (purchasing power: $70,135).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cincinnati grew 33.1% from $22.92/hr (2019) to $30.51/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.89/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
Part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week can take home around $39,415 annually, considerably lower than full-time wages but offering scheduling flexibility that many professionals seek. Per diem surgical technologists often command higher hourly rates ranging from $35 to $55, with specialists in cardiovascular or neurosurgery potentially reaching $50 to $75. Additionally, travel contracts typically offer lucrative compensation ranging between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, attracting techs willing to work away from their home base. In Cincinnati, variations in pay are often seen across employer types, with surgical techs in hospitals generally earning a steadier wage than those at ambulatory surgery centers or specialized facilities. Many surgical technologists are faced with a decision between higher hourly rates lacking benefits and slightly lower rates that include health coverage. To negotiate effectively, professionals should emphasize their certifications, such as CST or robotic surgery credentials, and explore employer offerings beyond just pay, ensuring they find a role that fits their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Cincinnati, OH:
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 Cincinnati. 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