Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in West Chester, PA: $29.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in West Chester, PA runs $29.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,485 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against West Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,897 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Chester, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $29.56, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This pay scale creates a unique landscape for both part-time and per-diem workers within local healthcare facilities, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers. With an hourly range from $23.48 for entry-level techs to $42.10 for those in the upper echelons, professionals can choose scheduling options that best fit their lifestyle. For instance, part-time surgical technologists working three days a week can expect to earn a substantial income while maintaining a balanced work-life scenario, given the flexibility often associated with these roles.
About the West Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.48 | $187.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.41 | $211.31 |
| Median (P50) | $29.56 | $236.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.81 | $286.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.10 | $336.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Chester
Based on $29.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.56/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $61,495 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,478. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,182.59 | $5,125 | $61,495 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.55 | $3,075 | $36,897 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.04 | $2,050 | $24,598 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (West Chester) | $29.56 |
| 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 West Chester, PA earn a median of $61,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $65,689.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.56/hr = $36,897/year (purchasing power: $37,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,495/year (purchasing power: $63,136).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in West Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in West Chester grew 33.9% from $20.96/hr (2019) to $28.05/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.16/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 West Chester 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 West Chester
When considering per-diem surgical technologist pay in West Chester, many professionals may see hourly rates that can vary widely. Billing rates for per-diem positions typically range from $35 to $55, with specialized areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery often commanding higher fees, between $50 and $75 per hour. In addition, travel contracts can offer lucrative weekly payments of $1,800 to $2,800, especially for cardiac positions. Furthermore, employers like military units, hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers may offer different compensation packages that could include benefits, impacting overall earnings. Surgical technologists must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus more consistent pay with health insurance options. As the demand for skilled surgical technologists continues to grow at an annual rate of 5.40%, professionals looking to negotiate their hourly rate should consider local healthcare dynamics, current market trends, and their own specialized skills for a competitive edge.
More salary data for West Chester, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in West Chester in 2026?
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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 West Chester. 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 West Chester 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