Surgical Technologist Salary in Orange, CA: $83,819 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Orange, CA earns a median $83,819/year (≈ $40.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Orange's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,111 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orange, California, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $83,819 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. With a salary range that spans from $58,735 at the 10th percentile to $126,262 at the 90th percentile, the compensation reflects not only local demand but also the diverse settings in which these professionals work. The healthcare landscape in Orange includes various hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, all of which contribute to the competitive pay rates. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences. The job market for surgical technologists in Orange is robust, suggesting strong opportunities for professionals in this field.
About the Orange Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,735 | $28.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,028 | $32.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,819 | $40.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,649 | $49.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,262 | $60.70 |
Median Salary Position
23.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Orange
In Orange, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,527 (2026 est.). At $83,819, the local median is 23.01% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Orange Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Orange median: $83,819/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,096 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +23.01% more |
Surgical Technologists in Orange, CA earn a median of $83,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.01% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the California state average of $85,096.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Orange has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Orange, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,819 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,111 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$59,413
2025 BLS Actual
$79,525
2026 Current Est.
$83,819
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,148 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,819 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,346 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Orange metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $59,413 (2019) to $79,525 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,346 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,933 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orange 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) | $58,735 – $68,028 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,028 – $83,819 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,819 – $103,649 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,649 – $126,262 |
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 Orange
The employment scenario for surgical technologists in Orange reveals that there are currently 21 individuals in this role, which highlights a niche yet essential segment of the healthcare workforce. The local cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that expenses in the area are above the national average, which could impact take-home pay. Among employers, hospitals generally offer the highest compensation, particularly those performing specialized surgeries such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, often yielding premium salaries for those with the right credentials and certifications. Factors that can influence salary variation include specialty certifications, call coverage, and roles such as surgical first assistants. To improve their earnings, surgical technologists in Orange should consider pursuing surgical first assistant certifications or expanding into robotic surgery roles, which are increasingly in demand and can enhance their market value significantly.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Orange, CA in 2026?
Is Orange, CA a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Orange?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Orange?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Orange?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $79,525 for surgical technologistsin the Orange 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 Orange 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