Berkeley vs Los Angeles: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Berkeley, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berkeley, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,408 | $85,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.06 | $41.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,982▲ | $52,964 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,044▲ | $69,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,238▲ | $103,071 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,341▲ | $107,519 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 3,440▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Berkeley.
The salary gap between Berkeley and Los Angeles is $577 (0.68%). Los Angeles's median is +26.19% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berkeley spans $64,359,Los Angeles spans $54,555. Berkeley has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($75,714 effective) pays 0.26% more than Berkeley ($75,515 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berkeley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,341)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,985/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,714)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Berkeley grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Berkeley, CA
$88,548 (2024) → $81,032 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $81,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Berkeley or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Berkeley and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Berkeley to Los Angeles as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Berkeley vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov