Surgical Technologist Salary in Gilroy, CA: $85,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Gilroy, CA earns a median $85,124/year (≈ $40.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Gilroy's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,264 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Gilroy, California, can expect a median annual salary of $85,124, significantly above the national figure of $68,141 for the same year, highlighting the market's strength and demand. The salary range reflects a robust spectrum of potential earnings, from $58,827 at the 10th percentile to $131,706 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating that specialized roles, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, command premium compensation. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations. Gilroy’s growing healthcare sector underscores the increasing value placed on highly trained surgical technologists, with specialties enhancing earning potential and inclusivity into advanced surgical teams.
About the Gilroy Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,827 | $28.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,127 | $33.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,124 | $40.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,714 | $49.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,706 | $63.32 |
Median Salary Position
24.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gilroy
In Gilroy, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,879 (2026 est.). At $85,124, the local median is 24.92% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gilroy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gilroy Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Gilroy median: $85,124/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gilroy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,141 | +24.92% more |
Surgical Technologists in Gilroy, CA earn a median of $85,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.92% higher than the national median of $68,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gilroy has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gilroy, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,124 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,264 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,338
2025 BLS Actual
$80,763
2026 Current Est.
$85,124
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gilroy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,338 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,099 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,716 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,763 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,721 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gilroy metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,338 (2019) to $80,763 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,721 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,383 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gilroy 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) | $58,827 – $70,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,127 – $85,124 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,124 – $102,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,714 – $131,706 |
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 Gilroy
In this small yet dynamic job market, there are currently around 10 surgical technologists employed in Gilroy, CA. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, which indicates that residents face higher-than-average expenses, impacting overall purchasing power. Among local employers, surgical facilities, especially specialty surgical centers focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, tend to offer the highest salaries. The variation in compensation largely hinges on specialization, with cardiovascular and neuro-trained technicians enjoying substantial premiums due to their advanced skills. Pursuing certifications in robotic surgery can further enhance earnings potential, as many employers offer stipends for those qualified to work with advanced robotic systems. For surgical technologists looking to maximize their pay in Gilroy, seeking employment in high-demand specialties, obtaining additional certifications, and gaining experience in trauma centers can be key strategies to improve their earning capabilities.
More salary data for Gilroy, 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 $80,763 for surgical technologistsin the Gilroy 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 Gilroy 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