📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Surgical Technologist Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$85,725
per year
Median
$81,934
per year
Hourly
$41.21
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$57,984
25th Percentile — Junior$72,488
50th Percentile — Median$81,934
75th Percentile — Senior$105,121
90th Percentile — Top Earners$116,727
💡 Top-earning Surgical Technologists in California make up to $116,727 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$71.1k
2021
$73.8k
2022
$76.7k
2023
$79.6k
2024
$82.6k
2025
$85.7k
2026
📈 Surgical Technologist salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Surgical Technologist Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $132,874 +55.0% High
San Diego $126,873 +48.0% High
San Jose $147,447 +72.0% High
San Francisco $158,591 +85.0% High
Fresno $92,583 +8.0% High
Sacramento $104,584 +22.0% High
Long Beach $124,301 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $92,583 +8.0% High
Anaheim $121,730 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $120,015 +40.0% High
Riverside $109,728 +28.0% High
Stockton $101,156 +18.0% High
Irvine $132,874 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $101,156 +18.0% High
Modesto $96,012 +12.0% High
Fontana $104,584 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $98,584 +15.0% High
Glendale $126,873 +48.0% High
Fremont $137,160 +60.0% High
🔍
Surgical Technologist Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Surgical Technologists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $85,725 per year, California's Surgical Technologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $57,984–$72,488, while experienced Surgical Technologists can command $105,121–$116,727.

Looking ahead, the Surgical Technologist profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Surgical Technologist salary in California is $85,725 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $60,370.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Surgical Technologists the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Surgical Technologist employment.
  • At $85,725/year, California Surgical Technologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $60,370/year.