Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Johnston, RI: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Johnston, RI runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical technologists in Johnston, Rhode Island, can expect an hourly median pay of $31.84, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate reflects the earnings potential for various work settings, such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery center suites, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. With an hourly range from $24.59 for entry-level positions to $46.86 for top earners, the field provides diverse opportunities depending on experience and specialization. Additionally, this hourly data is derived from annual salary figures, allowing for a clearer understanding of the pay dynamics in this essential health profession.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.59 | $196.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.34 | $218.73 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.25 | $314.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.86 | $374.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, RI can expect to earn approximately $66,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,210. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.65 | $5,519 | $66,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.19 | $3,311 | $39,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.46 | $2,208 | $26,492 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Johnston) | $31.84 |
| 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 Johnston, RI earn a median of $66,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $68,483.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,738/year (purchasing power: $39,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,230/year (purchasing power: $65,900).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Johnston grew 33.9% from $22.57/hr (2019) to $30.21/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.56/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
In terms of earning potential, a surgical technologist working part-time, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, could expect to take home around $39,811 annually, which highlights a substantial difference when compared to full-time earnings. The reality for per-diem surgical technologist pay in Johnston can vary significantly, with some professionals billing between $35-$55 an hour. Specialists in cardiovascular or neurosurgery often see per-diem rates climb even higher, reaching $50-$75 per hour, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, particularly in high-demand specialties. Employers like ambulatory surgical centers or military units might pay higher hourly rates but often come with less comprehensive benefits, prompting some to accept lower wages for the security that benefits provide. For those seeking jobs in Johnston, negotiating hourly rates effectively can mean considering the whole compensation package—balancing salary against health coverage and job stability is critical for long-term satisfaction in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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