Surgical Technologist Salary in San Marcos, CA: $85,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in San Marcos, CA earns a median $85,078/year (≈ $40.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in San Marcos's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,224 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, California, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is $85,078, reflecting a significant increase compared to the national median of $68,141. This local figure represents the continued evolution of the surgical tech field, particularly as robotic surgery certification becomes increasingly sought after and valued by employers. The salary range for surgical technologists in the region is broad, spanning from $58,371 at the 10th percentile to $131,539 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse job market that rewards specialization and skill advancement. These estimates arise from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, situating San Marcos's salaries on a competitive footing that is attractive for both current and aspiring professionals in the role.
About the San Marcos Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,371 | $28.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,031 | $33.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,078 | $40.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,463 | $50.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,539 | $63.24 |
Median Salary Position
24.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Marcos
In San Marcos, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,168 (2026 est.). At $85,078, the local median is 24.86% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Marcos: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Marcos Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
San Marcos median: $85,078/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Marcos Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,141 | +24.86% more |
Surgical Technologists in San Marcos, CA earn a median of $85,078 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.86% higher than the national median of $68,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Marcos has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Marcos, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,078 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,224 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,305
2025 BLS Actual
$80,719
2026 Current Est.
$85,078
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,305 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,592 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,675 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,672 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Marcos metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,305 (2019) to $80,719 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,672 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,367 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Marcos 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) | $58,371 – $70,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,031 – $85,078 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,078 – $104,463 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,463 – $131,539 |
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 San Marcos
The job market for surgical technologists in San Marcos is anchored by a relatively small workforce of 17 professionals. Despite this modest number, local salaries reflect a healthy demand for skilled technicians, particularly in higher-paying environments such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, which are among the best-paying employers in the area. The cost of living index for San Marcos is 113.1, indicating higher-than-average living expenses which inevitably affect take-home purchasing power. Factors such as specialty training in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neuro surgery can command higher wages, supplemented by certifications that include robotic surgery and surgical first assistant roles. To maximize their earning potential, surgical technologists in this market should focus on gaining specialty certifications, pursuing continuous education opportunities, and considering positions in travel surgical tech roles, which often offer premium pay rates and additional benefits.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 $80,719 for surgical technologistsin the San Marcos 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 San Marcos 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