Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Petaluma, CA: $50.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Petaluma, CA runs $50.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,350 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Petaluma's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,613 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Petaluma, California, earn a median hourly rate of $50.17, which significantly exceeds the national average of $32.76. This competitive pay allows for diverse working arrangements, making it appealing for part-time and per-diem surgical technologists who operate in various settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For those who work three days a week, typically around 24 hours, it can lead to substantial earnings while maintaining a flexible schedule. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to start at approximately $37.07 per hour, while experienced professionals can reach up to $75.60 per hour, reflecting the opportunities for career advancement and specialization in this field. These hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data and highlight the robust compensation available in the region.
About the Petaluma 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) | $37.07 | $296.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.13 | $345.04 |
| Median (P50) | $50.17 | $401.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.33 | $498.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.60 | $604.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Petaluma
Based on $50.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.17/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Petaluma, CA can expect to earn approximately $104,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,204. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Petaluma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Petaluma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,006.82 | $8,696 | $104,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,204.09 | $5,218 | $62,613 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $802.73 | $3,478 | $41,742 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Petaluma) | $50.17 |
| 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 Petaluma, CA earn a median of $104,350 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.14% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 22.60% above the California state average of $85,114.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.17/hr = $62,613/year (purchasing power: $55,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,354/year (purchasing power: $92,267).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Petaluma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Petaluma grew 33.9% from $35.56/hr (2019) to $47.60/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.88/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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma
Analyzing the part-time financial potential reveals that a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could take home over $62,000 annually, contrasting with the higher earnings of a full-time colleague. In terms of per diem roles, surgical technologists often bill $35 to $55 per hour for general cases, while specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neuro surgeries may demand $50 to $75 per hour. For travel positions, contracts can offer $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, attracting those willing to work away from home. Hourly rates vary depending on the employer, with hospital operating rooms generally offering more benefits and ambulatory centers providing flexibility but often at a trade-off in hourly pay. Negotiating hourly contracts in Petaluma requires consideration of both compensation and benefits; some technologists accept lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance, while others prefer greater pay without benefits. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for anyone entering this field, as they strive for a balance that meets both professional and personal needs.
More salary data for Petaluma, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Petaluma in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Petaluma?
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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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma 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