Surgical Technologist Salary in Fresno, CA: $67,857 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Fresno, CA earns a median $67,857/year (≈ $32.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Fresno's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.2), that paycheck buys what $66,424 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 20.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fresno, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $67,857, slightly below the national median of $68,141 for 2026. This salary encompasses a range from $49,422 at the lower end (P10) to $90,265 at the upper end (P90), reflecting the variations in pay based on years of experience, working in specialty areas, and other factors. According to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, this compensation highlights a unique aspect of Fresno's healthcare environment, particularly for those focusing on high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which typically yield a premium. Given the healthcare infrastructure in Fresno, job opportunities in these subspecialties may offer financial incentives and stabilization in an evolving job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,422 | $23.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,364 | $25.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,857 | $32.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,109 | $40.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,265 | $43.39 |
Median Salary Position
0.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fresno
In Fresno, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,843 (2026 est.). At $67,857, the local median is 0.42% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fresno: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fresno Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Fresno median: $67,857/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fresno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,140 | -20.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -0.42% less |
Surgical Technologists in Fresno, CA earn a median of $67,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.42% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 20.30% below the California state average of $85,140.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fresno has a cost of living 2.16% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fresno, CA has a cost-of-living index of 102.158 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,857 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,424 — a 2.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,590
2025 BLS Actual
$64,380
2026 Current Est.
$67,857
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,857 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,521 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fresno metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew -1.8% from $65,590 (2019) to $64,380 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,521 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,931 (9.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno 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) | $49,422 – $53,364 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,364 – $67,857 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,857 – $84,109 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,109 – $90,265 |
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 Fresno
Fresno's job market currently supports approximately 520 surgical technologists, contributing to a competitive employment landscape in this sector. The cost of living index stands at 102.158, suggesting that while salaries are fairly competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat impacted by local living expenses. Among various employers such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military surgical units, those specialized in cardiothoracic surgery often pay the highest. Factors influencing the salary spread in Fresno include demand for surgical first assistants, robotic surgery certifications, and coverage for call duties. To enhance earning potential, surgical technologists might consider seeking additional training in specialties that frequently require advanced skills or pursuing positions at high-volume surgical centers known to compensate based on expertise and critical role assignments.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Fresno, CA in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Fresno?
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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 $64,380 for surgical technologistsin the Fresno 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