Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $41.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Santa Monica, CA runs $41.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,001 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,603 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Monica, California, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $41.35, significantly surpassing the national median of $32.76. This favorable rate indicates that individuals working in various settings—such as main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities—can secure substantial compensation. For those in part-time positions, like working three days a week, the hourly earnings translate directly into a solid weekly income, making this profession appealing even in a competitive job market. The anticipated hourly range for surgical technologists in this area extends from $29.22 at the entry-level to $60.59 for experienced professionals, suggesting lucrative potential for those who excel in their roles and take advantage of advanced certifications in robotic surgery or specialized fields.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $29.22 | $233.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.58 | $276.65 |
| Median (P50) | $41.35 | $330.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.43 | $403.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.59 | $484.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $41.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.35/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,618. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,653.94 | $7,167 | $86,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $992.36 | $4,300 | $51,603 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.57 | $2,867 | $34,402 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Santa Monica) | $41.35 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $86,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.21% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the California state average of $85,065.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.35/hr = $51,603/year (purchasing power: $45,626).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,005/year (purchasing power: $76,043).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Santa Monica grew 33.9% from $29.31/hr (2019) to $39.23/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.58/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
For part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week, the earning potential is noteworthy; even without full-time hours, they can expect a comfortable annual take-home pay that reflects their hourly contributions. Meanwhile, per diem surgical technologists typically charge between $35-$55 an hour, although those in specialized areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can bill $50-$75 per hour. Travel surgical technologist contracts further amplify earning potential, with weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac specialties. In Santa Monica, hourly rates can vary across different employer types, often reflecting the complexity and specialization of the procedures involved. While some surgical technologists may accept lower hourly pay for positions with benefits, others prioritize higher pay rates with less financial security. Negotiation plays a crucial role; understanding the local market and being aware of the varying salaries based on institution type can lead to more effective discussions about compensation tailored specifically to this vibrant region in CA.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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