Surgical Technologist Salary in Milpitas, CA: $82,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Milpitas, CA earns a median $82,578/year (≈ $39.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Milpitas's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Milpitas, California can anticipate a median annual salary of $82,578 in 2026, reflecting a significant upward trend compared to national figures. The salary range for this role spans from $59,679 at the 10th percentile to $125,573 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for varied compensation based on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from state-level BLS data and regional price adjustments highlight the optimal pay environment for certified surgical technologists. Particularly in the wake of technological advances like robotic surgery, certifications in specialized skills often help bolster overall earnings, making Milpitas an attractive market for skilled professionals in this field.
About the Milpitas Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,679 | $28.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,987 | $33.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,578 | $39.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,533 | $49.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,573 | $60.37 |
Median Salary Position
21.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milpitas
In Milpitas, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,894 (2026 est.). At $82,578, the local median is 21.19% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Milpitas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milpitas Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Milpitas median: $82,578/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milpitas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,132 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +21.19% more |
Surgical Technologists in Milpitas, CA earn a median of $82,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.19% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the California state average of $85,132.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milpitas has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milpitas, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,578 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,013 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,533
2025 BLS Actual
$78,347
2026 Current Est.
$82,578
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,242 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,451 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,614 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,037 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milpitas metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $58,533 (2019) to $78,347 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,037 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,504 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milpitas 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) | $59,679 – $69,987 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,987 – $82,578 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,578 – $103,533 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,533 – $125,573 |
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 Milpitas
With only 16 surgical technologists currently employed in Milpitas, the job market remains relatively compact yet competitive. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be higher than many regions, the purchasing power of take-home wages can be affected. Local employers range from hospital operating rooms to specialized surgical centers, each offering diverse pay scales. Notably, facilities that focus on advanced specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery tend to provide higher compensation. Factors influencing the salary spread include expertise in robotic procedures, call coverage responsibilities, and designation at trauma centers. To maximize earnings in Milpitas, surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seek positions in high-demand specialties, as these can substantially enhance their market value in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Milpitas, CA in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Milpitas?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Milpitas?
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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 $78,347 for surgical technologistsin the Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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