Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $54.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Jose, CA runs $54.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 110.4, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,572 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Jose, California, surgical technologists are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $54.14 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This favorable hourly rate is beneficial for those working part-time or as per-diem surgical technologists, especially in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. With the hourly range extending from $39.35 for entry-level positions to $67.64 for top earners, professionals in this field have the potential to negotiate their pay according to experience and specialization, particularly in high-demand areas like robotic surgery or trauma care. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrating the competitive earnings potential for surgical technologists in the vibrant healthcare sector of San Jose.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.35 | $314.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.79 | $334.33 |
| Median (P50) | $54.14 | $433.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.78 | $502.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.64 | $541.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $54.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.14/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $112,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,973. With a cost-of-living index of 110.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,165.76 | $9,385 | $112,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,299.46 | $5,631 | $67,572 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $866.30 | $3,754 | $45,048 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Jose) | $54.14 |
| 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 Jose, CA earn a median of $112,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 65.26% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 32.30% above the California state average of $85,117.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.14/hr = $67,572/year (purchasing power: $61,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,619/year (purchasing power: $101,989).
CoL index: 110.423 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+72.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Jose grew 55.6% from $33.02/hr (2019) to $51.37/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.07/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 Jose 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 Jose
Regarding part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist working three days per week (approximately 24 hours) could expect to bring home about $67,364 annually, a notable difference from their full-time counterparts. For per-diem surgical technologists, the hourly billing can vary; typical rates range from $35 to $55, while specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts may offer even more lucrative options, yielding weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, especially for cardiac roles. The hourly pay can also differ based on employer type; for instance, surgical techs in hospitals may earn more than those in outpatient centers. While some may opt for higher hourly wages in agency roles lacking benefits, others might prefer hospital positions for the associated health insurance. Negotiating effectively in this competitive environment could involve discussing unique skills, such as certification in robotic surgical systems, positioning candidates for the highest possible hourly wage in San Jose.
More salary data for San Jose, 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 San Jose. 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