Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kennewick, WA: $38.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kennewick, WA runs $38.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,050 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kennewick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,433 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the surgical technologist hourly pay in Kennewick, Washington, sits at a competitive rate of $38.01, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $32.76. This higher compensation reflects the region's cost of living and the growing demand for surgical technologists in various healthcare settings, including hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. The hourly range for this profession runs from $27.45 for entry-level positions to as much as $48.75 for the top earners, indicating a clear pathway for advancement based on experience and specialization. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, positions Kennewick as an attractive location for both full-time and part-time surgical technologists seeking lucrative opportunities in the field.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.45 | $219.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.83 | $254.65 |
| Median (P50) | $38.01 | $304.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.93 | $343.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.75 | $389.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kennewick
Based on $38.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.01/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kennewick, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,055 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,609. With a cost-of-living index of 100.08 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kennewick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kennewick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,520.29 | $6,588 | $79,055 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $912.17 | $3,953 | $47,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.12 | $2,635 | $31,622 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kennewick) | $38.01 |
| 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 Kennewick, WA earn a median of $79,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.01% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% above the Washington state average of $77,500.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.01/hr = $47,433/year (purchasing power: $47,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,055/year (purchasing power: $78,993).
CoL index: 100.079 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kennewick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kennewick grew 41.2% from $25.54/hr (2019) to $36.06/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.06/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 Kennewick 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 Kennewick
Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $48,000 annually, which provides a substantial income compared to full-time roles, particularly when considering flexible scheduling. In contrast, per diem surgical technologists in Kennewick typically bill rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding rates between $50 and $75 per hour. For those pursuing travel surgical tech contracts, potential earnings can reach as high as $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially for cardiac specialty assignments. Employers, such as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, may offer different hourly rates based on location and the services provided, often resulting in some surgical technologists opting for lower-paying positions with benefits. Negotiating one’s hourly rate is crucial; candidates should emphasize their CST credentials and any additional specialties, like robotic surgery certification, to secure better terms in this competitive job market in Kennewick, WA.
More salary data for Kennewick, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kennewick in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Kennewick?
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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 Kennewick. 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, 6-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