Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $41.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Tulare, CA runs $41.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an impressive median hourly rate of $41.33, surgical technologists in Tulare, California, earn significantly more than the national median of $32.76. This higher pay reflects the rising demand for skilled surgical techs, particularly in various settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma operating rooms. For part-time workers, typically logging three days a week, this rate can translate into stable, albeit modest, income while allowing for flexibility. Per-diem surgical technologists can expect to see a wide income range, with entry-level positions starting at about $29.19 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized fields may earn as much as $60.53 hourly. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, highlight the financial viability of this career in Tulare.
About the Tulare 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) | $29.19 | $233.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.54 | $276.32 |
| Median (P50) | $41.33 | $330.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.40 | $403.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.53 | $484.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $41.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.33/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,961 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,593. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,653.09 | $7,163 | $85,961 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.86 | $4,298 | $51,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.24 | $2,865 | $34,384 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Tulare) | $41.33 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $85,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.16% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.00% above the California state average of $85,116.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.33/hr = $51,577/year (purchasing power: $45,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,961/year (purchasing power: $76,004).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Tulare grew 33.9% from $29.29/hr (2019) to $39.21/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.56/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
Considering the financial prospects of surgical technologists working part-time, a surgical technologist on a 24-hour weekly schedule can expect to earn around $51,918 annually, a considerable amount albeit less than that of their full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency surgical techs often find themselves in a different dynamic altogether, billing an hourly rate between $35 and $55, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding top-tier rates of $50 to $75. In Tulare, the pay varies across employer types, with roles in military or VA surgical units and travel agencies often offering competitive compensation but potentially less in terms of benefits like health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their hourly rate, it is wise to consider the pros and cons of accepting lower pay with better benefits versus seeking higher pay without such perks.
More salary data for Tulare, 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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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