Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $41.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $41.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,235 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Huntington Beach earn a median hourly rate of $41.05, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This premium reflects the demand for surgical techs to support various surgical environments, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For those in part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, this translates to substantial earnings, especially for seasonal or per-diem workers, who may opt for flexible schedules. The hourly wage ranges from $29.90 at entry-level positions to as high as $63.63 for top earners, providing opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned professionals. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, ensuring an accurate reflection of the surgical technologist hourly pay landscape in Huntington Beach, CA.
About the Huntington Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.90 | $239.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.10 | $280.79 |
| Median (P50) | $41.05 | $328.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.12 | $400.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.63 | $509.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $41.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.05/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,391 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,264. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,642.13 | $7,116 | $85,391 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.28 | $4,270 | $51,235 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $656.85 | $2,846 | $34,156 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Huntington Beach) | $41.05 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $85,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.31% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.30% above the California state average of $85,131.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.05/hr = $51,235/year (purchasing power: $45,300).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,391/year (purchasing power: $75,500).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Huntington Beach grew 33.9% from $29.10/hr (2019) to $38.95/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.27/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Moving beyond the typical hourly metrics, part-time surgical technologists working a 24-hour week can anticipate a considerably lower annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, while part-time employees enjoy flexibility, they may earn significantly less than full-time workers. Per-diem surgical technologists, who can command rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, offer a compelling alternative for those willing to accept contract work. Specialty roles, such as cardiovascular and neuro surgical technologists, can attract even higher pay rates, sometimes reaching $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts may present lucrative options, with weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800. However, while many surgical technologists may seek high hourly wages, the absence of benefits often leads to difficult choices. When negotiating hourly rates in Huntington Beach, understanding market trends and demonstrating specialized training or certification, especially in robotic surgery, can be vital for securing the best positions.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Huntington Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Huntington Beach?
Are surgical technologists in Huntington Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Huntington Beach?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Huntington Beach. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huntington Beach is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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