Surgical Technologist Salary in Bakersfield, CA: $82,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Bakersfield, CA earns a median $82,707/year (≈ $39.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Bakersfield's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.9), that paycheck buys what $81,981 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Bakersfield, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $82,707, significantly higher than the national average of $68,141. The salary range for this role varies considerably, with the lower end at around $53,469 and the upper end reaching $99,361. These figures are derived from the latest projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflecting a robust job market in the Bakersfield area. Notably, those specializing in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command premium compensation, underscoring the importance of targeted skill development in these lucrative areas.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,469 | $25.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,168 | $30.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,707 | $39.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,533 | $41.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,361 | $47.77 |
Median Salary Position
21.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bakersfield
In Bakersfield, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,892 (2026 est.). At $82,707, the local median is 21.38% above the national median of $68,141.
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How Bakersfield Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Bakersfield median: $82,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bakersfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,090 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +21.38% more |
Surgical Technologists in Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $82,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.38% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.80% below the California state average of $85,090.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bakersfield has a cost of living 0.89% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bakersfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 100.886 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,707 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,981 — a 0.88% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,580
2025 BLS Actual
$78,470
2026 Current Est.
$82,707
2019–2027 Growth
+54.1%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,174 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bakersfield metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 38.7% from $56,580 (2019) to $78,470 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,174 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,594 (54.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bakersfield 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,469 – $64,168 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,168 – $82,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,707 – $86,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,533 – $99,361 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Bakersfield
With 240 surgical technologists currently employed in Bakersfield, the job market remains competitive, offering various pathways to enhance earning potential. The cost of living in Bakersfield, indexed at 100.886, slightly above the national average, plays a critical role in determining take-home pay. Employers offering the highest surgical technologist pay in Bakersfield CA include major hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and military medical facilities, indicating the effect of institutional environment on salary levels. Factors such as specialty certifications in robotic surgery, call coverage arrangements, and the designation of trauma centers contribute to the disparities in pay. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing certifications such as the CST or exploring opportunities as a surgical first assistant can provide a significant edge in this market.
More salary data for Bakersfield, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $78,470 for surgical technologistsin the Bakersfield metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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