Surgical Technologist Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $85,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Moreno Valley, CA earns a median $85,879/year (≈ $41.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Moreno Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,932 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Moreno Valley, CA, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $85,879 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. The local salary range stretches from $59,057 at the 10th percentile to $133,112 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse roles within this critical healthcare field. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. In Moreno Valley, the specialized skills in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can further enhance earning potential, making those technologists particularly valuable and often commanding premium compensation within operating rooms.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,057 | $28.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,990 | $34.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,879 | $41.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,925 | $52.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,112 | $64.00 |
Median Salary Position
26.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
In Moreno Valley, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,055 (2026 est.). At $85,879, the local median is 26.03% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moreno Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moreno Valley Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Moreno Valley median: $85,879/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moreno Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,113 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.03% more |
Surgical Technologists in Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $85,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.03% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% above the California state average of $85,113.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moreno Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moreno Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,879 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,932 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,873
2025 BLS Actual
$81,479
2026 Current Est.
$85,879
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,163 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,387 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,479 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,873 (2019) to $81,479 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,643 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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) | $59,057 – $70,990 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,990 – $85,879 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,879 – $109,925 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,925 – $133,112 |
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 Moreno Valley
In terms of job opportunities, there are currently 53 surgical technologists employed in Moreno Valley, indicating a competitive local job market. The cost of living in the area is indexed at 113.1, which suggests that while salaries are higher than the national average, purchasing power must be considered in relation to the rising expenses associated with daily life. Among local employers, those in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—particularly in fields like orthopedics and cardiothoracic surgery—tend to offer the highest pay. Factors influencing salary fluctuations include areas of specialty, call coverage pay, and additional certifications like robotic surgery training. To maximize pay in this market, surgical technologists should seek opportunities to enhance their qualifications, engage in continued education, and consider roles with greater responsibility, such as surgical first assistant positions.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Moreno Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Moreno Valley?
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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 $81,479 for surgical technologistsin the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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