Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $41.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Los Angeles, CA runs $41.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,590 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands significantly above the national average, with a median rate of $41.34. This is a robust 26.19% higher than the national median hourly rate of $32.76. For part-time workers typically clocking in three days a week, or those involved in per diem roles within hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical suites, this hourly wage can lead to considerable earnings. The hourly rates for surgical technologists in the Los Angeles area range from $25.46 at the entry-level (P10) to $51.69 for top earners (P90), reflecting a spectrum of opportunities across various surgical settings, including robotic surgery rooms and trauma operating suites. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, provide an understanding of the financial landscape for surgical technologists working in CA.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.46 | $203.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.50 | $267.97 |
| Median (P50) | $41.34 | $330.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.55 | $396.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.69 | $413.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $41.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.34/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,983 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,605. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,653.52 | $7,165 | $85,983 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.11 | $4,299 | $51,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.41 | $2,866 | $34,393 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Los Angeles) | $41.34 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $85,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.19% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the California state average of $85,050.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.34/hr = $51,590/year (purchasing power: $45,427).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,983/year (purchasing power: $75,712).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Los Angeles grew 36.1% from $28.81/hr (2019) to $39.22/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.57/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Examining part-time earnings, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week earns approximately $54,248 annually, a figure less than what full-time employees generate. However, per diem surgical technologists can significantly enhance their income by billing at rates between $35 and $55 per hour, climbing to $50 to $75 for specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Travel contracts offer even more lucrative opportunities, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, appealing to those willing to work in varying locations across the country. Hourly rates differ notably by the type of employer in Los Angeles; hospitals may offer stability and benefits, while specialty centers might provide higher pay yet often lack the same advantages. Surgical technologists should weigh these factors when considering job offers, especially in an evolving healthcare landscape where effective negotiation can lead to improved hourly rates that reflect experience and skill, particularly for those with CAAHEP-accredited training and CST credentials.
More salary data for Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles. 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