Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $39.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Tacoma, WA runs $39.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,682 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $39.81, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This robust hourly rate makes a career in surgical technology appealing for those considering part-time or per-diem options, especially in settings such as hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgical centers, and specialized surgery facilities. Part-time workers typically clock in for three days a week, translating to substantial weekly earnings, while per-diem surgical technologists can enjoy flexibility and a competitive pay structure, ranging from $27.55 at entry-level positions to $61.71 for the most experienced professionals. These figures illustrate the diverse earning potential within the field and indicate a strong demand for skilled surgical technologists in Tacoma.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.55 | $220.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.07 | $264.60 |
| Median (P50) | $39.81 | $318.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.96 | $407.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.71 | $493.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $39.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.81/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $82,804 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,771. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,592.38 | $6,900 | $82,804 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $955.43 | $4,140 | $49,682 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.95 | $2,760 | $33,122 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Tacoma) | $39.81 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $82,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.53% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 6.90% above the Washington state average of $77,465.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.81/hr = $49,682/year (purchasing power: $46,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,804/year (purchasing power: $77,099).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Tacoma grew 33.9% from $28.22/hr (2019) to $37.77/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.96/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Turning to the reality for part-time and per-diem surgical technologists in Tacoma, those working 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings that reflect their hourly commitments, although this often falls short of full-time salaries. Per-diem roles command distinct rates that vary by specialty and employer type. For instance, while general per-diem surgical techs might earn between $35 and $55 per hour, those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery could see rates of $50 to $75. Travel contracts frequently offer even more lucrative arrangements, with earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly for cardiac care roles. While hospitals may offer more comprehensive benefits, some techs gravitate toward positions with higher hourly wages, weighing the trade-off of job security and health coverage. Negotiating effectively in the Tacoma market is crucial; align your specialty and skill set with prospective employers to maximize your hourly pay while considering the benefits package provided.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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