Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Juan, PR: $15.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Juan, PR runs $15.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $32,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,363 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the surgical technologist hourly pay averages $15.51, a significant gap from the national hourly median of $32.76. This hourly rate creates opportunities for part-time and per diem workers, especially in various surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. With the hourly range spanning from $12.92 at the lower end (entry-level positions) to $22.99 for experienced top earners, those in this career path can feel a level of financial flexibility. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that the compensation structure for surgical technologists can provide a stable income, particularly for those who prefer working three days a week or participating in per diem arrangements which are common in San Juan.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.92 | $103.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.71 | $109.70 |
| Median (P50) | $15.51 | $124.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.50 | $139.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.99 | $183.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Juan
Based on $15.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.51/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Juan, PR can expect to earn approximately $32,271 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,618.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Juan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $620.60 | $2,689 | $32,271 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $372.36 | $1,614 | $19,363 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $248.24 | $1,076 | $12,908 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Juan) | $15.51 |
| 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 San Juan, PR earn a median of $32,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.64% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 36.90% below the Puerto Rico state average of $51,147.
2019 BLS Actual
$9.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Juan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $9.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $9.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $8.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $11.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Juan grew 51.4% from $9.72/hr (2019) to $14.72/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.35/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 San Juan 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 San Juan
For a surgical technologist working part-time at 24 hours per week, the earnings would amount to an approximate annual income significantly below that of a full-time role, largely due to the hourly inconsistencies across employer types. Per diem surgical technologists in San Juan could command higher rates, billing anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, with niche specialties like cardiovascular and neuro surgeries attracting even more premium pay. Travel surgical technology contracts often yield lucrative weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, suggesting a direct correlation between specialty skills and earning potential. However, many professionals in San Juan face a decision between hourly pay and enhanced benefits, as jobs offering health insurance may pay less per hour than those without benefits. Those negotiating pay should be prepared to discuss these compensatory factors and should recognize the different buying power across various surgical environments in San Juan, aiming for a strategic approach tailored to their skill set and workplace preferences.
More salary data for San Juan, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Juan in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 San Juan. 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