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Average Surgical Technologists Salary in California

Surgical Technologists in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $83,240, significantly surpassing the national average of $66,260. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust healthcare sector and the state's higher cost of living, which necessitates greater pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in demanding roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $83,240 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,390.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 10,570 Surgical Technologists, California demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The location quotient of 0.79 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs indicates a stable and active market for these essential healthcare professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$83,240

The average Surgical Technologists in California earns+25.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40

Weekly

$1,601

Monthly

$6,937

Surgical Technologists Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Surgical Technologists in California typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights significant career advancement opportunities and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$57,070$27.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$62,430$30
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$81,120$39
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$104,050$50
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$114,390$55

Detailed Surgical Technologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$83,240

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$60,101

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the $83,240 average annual salary in California is attractive, it must be considered against the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that while nominal earnings are high, the purchasing power may be moderated by the increased expenses associated with living in California, requiring careful financial planning.

Job Market Context

10,570

Total Jobs

0.586

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.79x the national average concentration of Surgical Technologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that Surgical Technologists are slightly less concentrated in California compared to the national average. This suggests that while the state employs a large number of these professionals, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals entering the workforce.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Surgical Technologists

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Surgical Technologists Salary$67,340↓ 19%25 mi
Fresno, CA Surgical Technologists Salary$73,960↓ 11%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Surgical Technologists Salary$74,900↓ 10%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Surgical Technologists Salary$81,500↓ 2%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Surgical Technologists make in California?

The median annual salary for a Surgical Technologists in California is $83,240. This typically ranges from $57,070 for entry-level positions to $114,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 25.6% higher than the national median of $66,260.

Is California a lucrative place for Surgical Technologists?

Yes, California is a lucrative place for Surgical Technologists.The average salary of $83,240 significantly exceeds the national average, offering strong nominal earnings. However, this must be weighed against the state's high cost of living.

Is California a good place to live for Surgical Technologists?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($67,340) and Fresno, CA.

What is the average salary for a Surgical Technologist in California?

The average annual salary for a Surgical Technologist in California is $83,240.

How does California's Surgical Technologist salary compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $83,240 is substantially higher than the national average of $66,260.

What is the Cost of Living Index in California?

California has a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, which is 38.5% higher than the national average.

How many Surgical Technologists work in California?

There are approximately 10,570 Surgical Technologists employed in California.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,570 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.586 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Surgical Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California