San Francisco vs Sunnyvale: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,757 | $115,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.37 | $55.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,949 | $80,431▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,875 | $95,786▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,990 | $144,811▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,201 | $177,469▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,440▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sunnyvale, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Sunnyvale is $10,497 (10.02%). Sunnyvale's median is +69.14% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $64,252,Sunnyvale spans $97,038. Sunnyvale has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sunnyvale ($101,905 effective) pays 12.46% more than San Francisco ($90,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,254/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,469)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,905)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in San Francisco grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$74,570 (2019) → $99,390 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$91,192 (2024) → $109,349 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Francisco or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Sunnyvale as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Francisco vs Sunnyvale?
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