Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $26.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Altoona, PA runs $26.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,871 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,924 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Altoona, the projected surgical technologist hourly pay is $26.38, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $32.76. This discrepancy highlights the unique economic factors at play in the region. For surgical technologists working in various settings—such as main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units—this hourly rate impacts their ability to pursue part-time roles or per-diem opportunities effectively. The hourly range extends from $23.64 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $31.44 for the most experienced professionals (90th percentile). For those seeking flexible schedules or supplemental income through per-diem work, the BLS data indicates that understanding the local pay structure is essential, especially as surgical technology roles become increasingly specialized.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.64 | $189.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.64 | $189.13 |
| Median (P50) | $26.38 | $211.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.44 | $251.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.44 | $251.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $26.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.38/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $54,874 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,658. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,055.26 | $4,573 | $54,874 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.16 | $2,744 | $32,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.11 | $1,829 | $21,950 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Altoona) | $26.38 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $54,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.47% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 16.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,714.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.38/hr = $32,924/year (purchasing power: $36,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,874/year (purchasing power: $61,307).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Altoona grew 33.9% from $18.70/hr (2019) to $25.03/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.81/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
For a surgical technologist in Altoona working three days a week, which totals around 24 hours, the annual take-home pay differs notably when compared to full-time staff. While full-time surgical technologists can expect a stable income from their hourly rates, many part-timers enjoy greater flexibility, albeit at a lower annual compensation due to the reduced hours. Per diem surgical technologists typically earn higher rates for their specialized skills, often charging between $35 and $55 per hour. In fact, those working in niche areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command even more—up to $75 per hour. Various employer types, including hospitals and travel surgical tech agencies, also influence hourly pay, where trade-offs between hourly rates and employee benefits must be carefully weighed. Negotiating for higher wages can be beneficial, especially for those with additional certifications like robotic surgery designation, which may enhance value and earning potential significantly in Altoona's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
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 Altoona. 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, 5-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