Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $32.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Fresno, CA runs $32.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,857 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,711 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, California, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $32.62, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This competitive pay offers significant opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in environments like hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery center suites, and specialty surgical centers. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to start at around $23.76 per hour, while more experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn up to $43.39 per hour. Such hourly rates not only reflect the skill set necessary for the role but also the demand for surgical technologists across various settings, including trauma OR suites and robotic surgery rooms, providing a stable income for those looking to gain experience or seek flexible working hours.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.76 | $190.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.65 | $205.23 |
| Median (P50) | $32.62 | $260.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.43 | $323.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.39 | $347.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $32.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.62/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,146. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,304.85 | $5,654 | $67,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $782.91 | $3,393 | $40,711 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.94 | $2,262 | $27,141 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Fresno) | $32.62 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Fresno, CA earn a median of $67,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.42% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 20.30% below the California state average of $85,140.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.62/hr = $40,711/year (purchasing power: $39,851).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,852/year (purchasing power: $66,419).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fresno grew -1.9% from $31.54/hr (2019) to $30.95/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.38/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Fresno
An individual working as a surgical technologist part-time, for instance three days a week, can earn around $25,515 annually based on a schedule totaling 24 hours of work each week. In contrast, full-time surgical techs in Fresno enjoy a more substantial earning potential. For those considering a per-diem role, per diem surgical technologist pay in the area typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized roles such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery positions often commanding rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts for surgical technologists can yield impressive weekly earnings, with some positions offering between $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly for cardiac specialties. However, the choice to work in varying environments often comes with trade-offs, as positions in hospitals may provide better health benefits compared to higher hourly-paying per-diem jobs with fewer advantages. When negotiating hourly pay in Fresno, professionals should consider both the immediate compensation and the long-term benefits that a full-time role may offer, especially in an industry driven by accreditation standards like those from CAAHEP and AST.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Fresno. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov