Surgical Technologist Salary in Escondido, CA: $87,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Escondido, CA earns a median $87,890/year (≈ $42.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Escondido's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,710 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Escondido, California, surgical technologists enjoy a competitive median annual salary of $87,890, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141 for this profession. The salary spectrum ranges from $61,224 at the 10th percentile to $131,691 at the 90th percentile, indicating a favorable job market for these skilled professionals. The figures presented here are local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, with adjustments for regional price variances. Given the diverse surgical settings in Escondido—including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers—surgical technologists have ample opportunities to find roles that align with their skills and compensation goals.
About the Escondido Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,224 | $29.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,961 | $35.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,890 | $42.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,538 | $52.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,691 | $63.31 |
Median Salary Position
28.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Escondido
In Escondido, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,467 (2026 est.). At $87,890, the local median is 28.98% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Escondido: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Escondido Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Escondido median: $87,890/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Escondido Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,082 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +28.98% more |
Surgical Technologists in Escondido, CA earn a median of $87,890 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.98% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% above the California state average of $85,082.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Escondido has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Escondido, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,890 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,710 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,298
2025 BLS Actual
$83,387
2026 Current Est.
$87,890
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Escondido (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,298 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,117 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,595 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,176 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,387 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Escondido metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $62,298 (2019) to $83,387 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,338 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Escondido 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) | $61,224 – $72,961 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,961 – $87,890 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,890 – $108,538 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,538 – $131,691 |
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 Escondido
The job market for surgical technologists in Escondido features 31 individuals currently employed in this role, showcasing steady demand amidst a cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. This higher cost of living impacts take-home purchasing power, making competitive salaries even more critical. Employers such as hospital surgical units and specialty centers paying premium rates drive the compensation landscape, especially in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which tend to command higher pay. Factors such as call coverage, robotic surgery certifications, and roles like surgical first assistant further contribute to the wage variability. For those interested in maximizing their pay in the Escondido market, pursuing certifications in advanced technologies and specialty areas is advisable, as these skills can lead to better financial rewards and career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Escondido, 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 $83,387 for surgical technologistsin the Escondido 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
Salary data for Escondido 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