Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $30.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $30.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,931 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,357 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, TX, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $30.73, slightly below the national figure of $32.76. This rate provides solid compensation for those working in diverse settings including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day-per-week schedule, the earnings translate to a stable income while allowing for flexible work-life balance. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to start at around $23.74 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can command rates reaching up to $45.30. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the working realities for surgical techs engaged in complex surgical environments.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.74 | $189.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.38 | $211.05 |
| Median (P50) | $30.73 | $245.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.84 | $302.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.30 | $362.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $30.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.73/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $63,928 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,882. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,229.39 | $5,327 | $63,928 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $737.63 | $3,196 | $38,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.75 | $2,131 | $25,571 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Copperas Cove) | $30.73 |
| 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 Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $63,931 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $66,113.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.73/hr = $38,357/year (purchasing power: $39,955).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,928/year (purchasing power: $66,592).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Copperas Cove grew 33.9% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $29.16/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.39/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 Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove
When considering part-time or per-diem work, surgical technologists can capitalize on a broader spectrum of opportunities in Copperas Cove. A 24-hour workweek at the prevailing hourly rate produces a reliable income but may still fall short of what full-time positions yield annually. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in this area typically ranges from $35-$55 per hour, with specialties such as cardiovascular and neuro offering even higher rates from $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts have become particularly lucrative, providing earnings that can reach $1,800-$2,800 weekly, which are especially appealing for those willing to take on travel assignments. Moreover, surgical techs employed in hospitals often enjoy benefits, whereas those opting for higher pay at agencies may give up health insurance. Understanding the trade-offs in hourly compensation can aid surgical technologists in navigating their career paths effectively in Copperas Cove. Negotiation skills, especially for hourly workers, can directly impact earnings and job satisfaction in this nuanced field.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove. 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 Copperas Cove 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