Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Leandro, CA: $40.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Leandro, CA runs $40.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against San Leandro's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,182 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In San Leandro, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $40.21, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This robust hourly rate can be particularly appealing for part-time workers, such as those who commit to three days a week, and for per-diem surgical technologists who operate in various settings like hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Entry-level surgical technologists may begin their careers at about $29.83 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $62.15 per hour, reflecting a broad range that accommodates both novice and experienced staff. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries, underscore the competitive nature of this healthcare profession in California, where cost-of-living adjustments are factored into compensation.
About the San Leandro 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) | $29.83 | $238.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.69 | $277.50 |
| Median (P50) | $40.21 | $321.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.58 | $388.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.15 | $497.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Leandro
Based on $40.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.21/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Leandro, CA can expect to earn approximately $83,637 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,252. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Leandro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Leandro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,608.40 | $6,970 | $83,637 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $965.04 | $4,182 | $50,182 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $643.36 | $2,788 | $33,455 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Leandro) | $40.21 |
| 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 Leandro, CA earn a median of $83,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.74% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the California state average of $85,081.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.21/hr = $50,182/year (purchasing power: $44,370).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,637/year (purchasing power: $73,950).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Leandro grew 33.9% from $28.50/hr (2019) to $38.15/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.38/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 Leandro 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 Leandro
For those considering a part-time role, working 24 hours a week could yield significantly different earnings when compared to full-time positions. Part-time surgical technologists in San Leandro could expect to bring home around $49,180 annually, while full-timers might realize higher earning potential. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in the area typically falls between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty roles in cardiovascular and neurological surgery often commanding higher rates, ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical techs may enjoy lucrative contracts, potentially billing $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially in high-demand specialties such as cardiac surgery. Different employment settings, such as hospitals versus ambulatory surgery centers, can also affect hourly wages. Additionally, surgical technologists may face the choice of accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Those aiming to negotiate their pay should be aware of local market trends and be prepared to advocate for optimal hourly wages reflective of their skill level, especially with CAAHEP-accredited training and credentials such as CST.
More salary data for San Leandro, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Leandro in 2026?
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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 Leandro. 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 San Leandro 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