Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $29.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Watertown, SD runs $29.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,803 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,476 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $29.23, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.76 per hour. This pay translates into a robust opportunity for part-time workers, such as those choosing to work three days a week in settings like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. With an hourly range stretching from $22.11 for entry-level positions to $41.45 for top earners, surgical technologists can expect to find varying compensation based on experience and specialties. The estimated hourly pay reflects projected annual salary data for 2026, indicating the potential for different roles such as those in robotic surgery or trauma OR suites within the Watertown region.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.29 | $202.28 |
| Median (P50) | $29.23 | $233.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.24 | $281.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.45 | $331.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $29.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.23/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $60,793 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,073. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,169.10 | $5,066 | $60,793 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $701.46 | $3,040 | $36,476 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $467.64 | $2,026 | $24,317 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Watertown) | $29.23 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $60,803 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.77% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $63,205.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.23/hr = $36,476/year (purchasing power: $39,306).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,793/year (purchasing power: $65,510).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Watertown grew 33.9% from $20.72/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.81/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
When considering part-time work, a surgical technologist in Watertown working 24 hours a week would potentially bring home around $45,558 annually, a figure significantly lower than that of full-time workers, and should weigh the benefits when accepting positions. Per diem surgical technologists often find themselves billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specialized in cardiovascular or neurosurgery sometimes earning $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts enhance earnings even further, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In Watertown, hourly rates vary significantly by employer, with hospitals, surgical centers, and military agencies offering different compensation packages. Some surgical technologists accept lower hourly wages for the benefit of health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly rates without benefits. For those considering their negotiating leverage, it’s vital to understand the local market dynamics and the associated hourly pay across settings.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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