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Surgical Technologists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Surgical Technologists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,310
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.2% vs 2024
$82,810
Mean Salary
$81,310
Median Salary
$39.09
Hourly Rate
11,920 people work as Surgical Technologists in California

Surgical Technologists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Surgical Technologists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Surgical Technologists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $49,140$49,14025th25% earn less than $64,380$64,380MedianHalf earn more than $81,310$81,31075th75% earn less than $99,260$99,26090thTop 10% earn more than $115,740$115,740

Surgical Technologists in California earn a median salary of $81,310 per year ($6,775/month). This is 22.0% above the national average of $66,651. California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Surgical Technologists pay. Approximately 11,920 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 0.2% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Surgical Technologists

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Top Skills

Monitoring
3.75
Active Listening
3.38
Operations Monitoring
3.25
Speaking
3.12
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
3.73
Medicine and Dentistry
3.71
English Language
3.45
Education and Training
3.1
Psychology
2.87
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (40.6% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Surgical Technologists in California

Salaries for Surgical Technologists in California range from $49,140 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $115,740 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,380 and $99,260.

Median $81,310
P10: $49,140 P25: $64,380 P75: $99,260 P90: $115,740
10th
$49,140
25th
$64,380
Median
$81,310
75th
$99,260
90th
$115,740
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $49,140 $23.62 $4,095
25th Percentile $64,380 $30.95 $5,365
Median (50th) $81,310 $39.09 $6,775
75th Percentile $99,260 $47.72 $8,271
90th Percentile (Experienced) $115,740 $55.64 $9,645

Note: The mean (average) salary of $82,810 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
California ranks #3 of 51 states
$66,651
National avg. for Surgical Technologists
+22.0%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Surgical Technologists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Surgical Technologists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Surgical Technologists Data in California

After-Tax Take-Home Pay Hourly Wage Breakdown Cost-of-Living Adjusted Entry-Level vs Senior Salary Employment Outlook & Job Demand

Surgical Technologists Salary by State

Compare Surgical Technologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Hawaii $82,640 Oregon $81,390 Massachusetts $80,870 Alaska $80,380 Minnesota $80,210 Connecticut $79,890 New York $79,550 District of Columbia $77,520 Washington $77,270 New Jersey $77,200

View all 50 states →

Related Careers in California

Explore similar occupations and their salaries in California.

Emergency Medical TechniciansSimilar $46,380 Dietetic TechniciansSimilar $46,410 Psychiatric TechniciansSimilar $49,140 Ophthalmic Medical TechniciansSimilar $54,490 Pharmacy TechniciansSimilar $55,110 Opticians, DispensingSimilar $57,990 Veterinary Technologists and TechniciansSimilar $60,630 Medical Records SpecialistsSimilar $61,810 Exercise PhysiologistsSimilar $62,440 Surgical AssistantsSimilar $62,540

View all jobs in California →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Surgical Technologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Surgical Technologists in California is $81,310 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $82,810.
What is the salary range for a Surgical Technologists in California?
Salaries for Surgical Technologists in California range from $49,140 at the 10th percentile to $115,740 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $64,380 and $99,260.
What is the starting salary for a Surgical Technologists in California?
Entry-level Surgical Technologists positions in California typically start around $49,140 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,380 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Surgical Technologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 11,920 people are employed as Surgical Technologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Surgical Technologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Surgical Technologists in California is approximately $39.09 per hour.

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More About California

Salary Data
All Salaries in California Average Salary in California Highest Paying Jobs in California
Salary Thresholds
Jobs Over $100K in California $100K+ Jobs Without a Degree in California
Top Cities in California
Los Angeles San Diego San Jose San Francisco
Top Colleges in California
Academy of Art University Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences College of Alameda Allan Hancock College

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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