Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling, VA: $32.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Sterling, VA runs $32.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Sterling's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,488 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, surgical technologists can expect a median hourly pay of $32.44, which is slightly below the national median of $32.76. This rate reflects what a typical surgical technologist can earn while working in various settings, such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery center suites, and specialty surgical centers. For those engaged in part-time or per-diem roles, this hourly rate translates to substantial take-home pay while allowing for flexible scheduling. For those entering the profession, hourly wages could start around $24.51, while experienced professionals at the top of the pay scale can earn up to $47.34 per hour, highlighting a significant earning potential across the spectrum of experience in Sterling.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.51 | $196.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.54 | $220.33 |
| Median (P50) | $32.44 | $259.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.65 | $317.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.34 | $378.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling
Based on $32.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.44/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling, VA can expect to earn approximately $67,480 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,931. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sterling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,297.68 | $5,623 | $67,480 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $778.61 | $3,374 | $40,488 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.07 | $2,249 | $26,992 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Sterling) | $32.44 |
| 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 Sterling, VA earn a median of $67,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $70,358.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.44/hr = $40,488/year (purchasing power: $39,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,480/year (purchasing power: $65,387).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sterling grew 33.9% from $23.00/hr (2019) to $30.78/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.19/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 Sterling 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 Sterling
Looking at the financial landscape for surgical technologists, part-time workers clocking in at around 24 hours a week could bring home an attractive annual salary without the demands of full-time employment. Per-diem surgical technologists in the region commonly earn $35-$55 per hour, with specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery potentially bringing in rates of $50-$75. Travel surgical technologists often secure contracts worth $1,800-$2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac surgery. However, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer type; hospital positions may offer more stability and benefits, while ambulatory settings and specialty centers might provide higher wages without health insurance. Surgical technologists negotiating their hourly pay in Sterling may want to consider the trade-offs between higher pay and health benefits to secure a compensation package that best fits their lifestyle and career goals in 2026.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
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 Sterling. 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 Sterling 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