Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $50.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Francisco, CA runs $50.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,863 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Francisco, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $50.37, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive rate illustrates the value placed on surgical technologists in the region, especially in high-demand environments such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical suites. With an hourly range from $31.70 for entry-level positions to $62.60 for experienced top earners, individuals can find ample opportunities for part-time and per-diem work. For professionals opting for flexible schedules, this hourly pay can translate into substantial earnings, making San Francisco an attractive location for surgical technologists looking to balance work and personal commitments.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.70 | $253.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.36 | $314.85 |
| Median (P50) | $50.37 | $402.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.64 | $469.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.60 | $500.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $50.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.37/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $104,771 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,445. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,014.83 | $8,731 | $104,771 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,208.90 | $5,239 | $62,863 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $805.93 | $3,492 | $41,908 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Francisco) | $50.37 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA earn a median of $104,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.74% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 23.10% above the California state average of $85,099.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.37/hr = $62,863/year (purchasing power: $54,373).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,771/year (purchasing power: $90,622).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Francisco grew 33.3% from $35.85/hr (2019) to $47.79/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.09/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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
While part-time surgical technologists working three days a week can bring home around $63,569 annually, full-time positions present different earning potentials. Per diem surgical technologist pay in San Francisco varies significantly, often ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialty roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery nearing $50 to $75 per hour. For those on travel contracts, weekly earnings can spike to between $1,800 and $2,800, particularly in high-demand specialties. It’s worth considering, though, that hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types—hospitals may offer more comprehensive benefits, while ambulatory centers and specialty clinics might provide higher pay but lack health insurance. Negotiating effectively requires understanding these dynamics, as some surgical technologists may prefer higher wages with no benefits, while others opt for lower pay with health coverage included.
More salary data for San Francisco, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Francisco in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in San Francisco?
Are surgical technologists in San Francisco paid hourly or salary?
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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 San Francisco. 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