Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $34.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Tukwila, WA runs $34.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,974 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $34.43, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate reflects not only the cost of living but also the demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For those working part-time, such as a surgical technologist on a three-day workweek, the hourly rate is conducive to a satisfying work-life balance. The hourly pay range for this profession varies significantly, starting at $26.66 for entry-level positions, while top earners can achieve rates up to $48.32, indicating a wide spectrum of earning potential based on experience and specialization.
About the Tukwila 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) | $26.66 | $213.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.45 | $235.59 |
| Median (P50) | $34.43 | $275.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.20 | $329.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.32 | $386.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $34.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.43/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $71,623 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,321. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,377.37 | $5,969 | $71,623 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $826.42 | $3,581 | $42,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.95 | $2,387 | $28,649 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Tukwila) | $34.43 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $71,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.11% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $77,511.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.43/hr = $42,974/year (purchasing power: $40,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,623/year (purchasing power: $66,688).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Tukwila grew 33.9% from $24.41/hr (2019) to $32.67/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.29/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Surgical technologists in Tukwila have a range of earning possibilities depending on their work arrangements. A part-time surgical technologist working 24 hours a week can take home a substantial annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem surgical technologists often command higher hourly rates, typically billing between $35 and $55, with specialized roles—such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery—yielding even more, ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can be especially lucrative, with weekly earnings reaching between $1,800 and $2,800. Differences in hourly pay can also be observed among various employers, with hospitals generally offering stable positions and benefits while ambulatory surgery centers or locum tenens options might yield higher pay without additional perks. Negotiating a higher hourly rate may necessitate a trade-off between immediate financial benefit and long-term advantages such as health insurance, making this a crucial consideration for surgical technologists in Tukwila as they assess their career paths.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Tukwila?
Are surgical technologists in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Tukwila?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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