Surgical Technologist Salary in Salinas, CA: $76,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Salinas, CA earns a median $76,710/year (≈ $36.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Salinas's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.0), that paycheck buys what $70,349 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.8% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Salinas, California, can expect a median annual salary of $76,710, showcasing a strong positioning above the national median of $68,141. This market reflects a salary range that spans from $62,355 at the 10th percentile to $104,209 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the potential for growth in a region where robotic surgery certification is gaining traction. As surgical facilities increasingly adopt advanced technologies, the demand for certifying bodies like the AST and NBSTSA becomes pivotal, influencing remuneration trends across local operating rooms and specialty centers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,355 | $29.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,818 | $30.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,710 | $36.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,776 | $49.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,209 | $50.10 |
Median Salary Position
12.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salinas
In Salinas, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,854 (2026 est.). At $76,710, the local median is 12.58% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salinas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salinas Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Salinas median: $76,710/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salinas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,044 | -9.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +12.58% more |
Surgical Technologists in Salinas, CA earn a median of $76,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.58% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 9.80% below the California state average of $85,044.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salinas has a cost of living 9.04% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salinas, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.042 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $76,710 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,349 — a 8.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,720
2025 BLS Actual
$72,780
2026 Current Est.
$76,710
2019–2027 Growth
+9.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salinas metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew -1.3% from $73,720 (2019) to $72,780 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,132 (9.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salinas 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) | $62,355 – $62,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,818 – $76,710 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,710 – $102,776 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,776 – $104,209 |
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 Salinas
Salinas presents a competitive environment for surgical technologists, with around 120 professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index sits at 109.042, which is above the national average, affecting the purchasing power of take-home salaries for these professionals. Various employers, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, pay differently, with those focusing on higher-acuity areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery typically offering the most lucrative opportunities. Factors such as call coverage, specialized certifications, and travel surgical tech assignments contribute significantly to the noticeable pay disparities. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Salinas, pursuing certifications in robotic surgery or assuming roles as surgical first assistants can be effective strategies to enhance earning potential while navigating the unique demands of the local market.
More salary data for Salinas, 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 $72,780 for surgical technologistsin the Salinas 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