Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Cleveland Heights, OH: $29.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Cleveland Heights, OH runs $29.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,141 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Cleveland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,278 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland Heights, OH, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $29.87, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $32.76. This rate positions surgical technologists within a welcoming field, particularly for part-time workers who typically operate three days a week in various settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. With an hourly range spanning from $22.16 for entry-level positions to $42.97 for the most seasoned professionals, the job offers flexibility, making it ideal for those considering per-diem work. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect a profession that is accessible while allowing for diverse career paths and specialties in surgical technology.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.16 | $177.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.63 | $205.07 |
| Median (P50) | $29.87 | $238.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.13 | $289.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.97 | $343.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland Heights
Based on $29.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.87/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland Heights, OH can expect to earn approximately $62,130 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,844. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,194.81 | $5,178 | $62,130 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.89 | $3,107 | $37,278 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.93 | $2,071 | $24,852 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Cleveland Heights) | $29.87 |
| 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 Cleveland Heights, OH earn a median of $62,141 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $65,480.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.87/hr = $37,278/year (purchasing power: $41,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,130/year (purchasing power: $68,501).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cleveland Heights grew 33.9% from $21.17/hr (2019) to $28.34/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.48/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 Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights
While a full-time surgical technologist's earnings can provide a comfortable living, part-time workers contribute significantly to Cleveland Heights' healthcare system without full-time commitments. A typical 24-hour workweek translates to an annual take-home pay that is considerably lower than a full-time salary, which might discourage some from pursuing part-time roles. Conversely, per diem surgical technologists often command higher pay, billing between $35 and $55 per hour; specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Agencies may also offer travel contracts ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly for surgical techs, especially in high-demand specializations. This creates a trade-off; surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of stable hourly rates with health insurance against potentially higher pay without benefits. Practical negotiation strategies in Cleveland Heights might include discussing work schedule flexibility or emphasizing certifications like robotic surgery to enhance hourly compensation.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cleveland Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Cleveland Heights?
Are surgical technologists in Cleveland Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Cleveland Heights?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cleveland Heights?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Cleveland Heights. 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 Cleveland Heights 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