Surgical Technologist Salary in Upland, CA: $82,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Upland, CA earns a median $82,288/year (≈ $39.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Upland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,757 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Upland, California, the surgical technologist salary is significantly elevated, with a median annual earning projection of $82,288 for 2026. This figure represents a 20.76% increase compared to the national median of $68,141, showing that those specialized in surgical technology can expect particularly lucrative returns in this region. The salary range for these professionals varies widely, from $58,678 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $124,777 at the upper end (90th percentile), reflecting the impact of specialization and experience. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, contribute to this robust income forecast. Surgical technologists who obtain specialized credentials in high-demand fields such as cardiovascular and neuro surgery may see even further financial rewards in Upland's job market.
About the Upland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,678 | $28.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,402 | $33.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,288 | $39.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,704 | $49.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,777 | $59.99 |
Median Salary Position
20.76% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Upland
In Upland, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,099 (2026 est.). At $82,288, the local median is 20.76% above the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Upland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Upland Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Upland median: $82,288/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Upland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,096 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.76% more |
Surgical Technologists in Upland, CA earn a median of $82,288 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.76% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the California state average of $85,096.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Upland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Upland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,288 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,757 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,328
2025 BLS Actual
$78,072
2026 Current Est.
$82,288
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Upland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,328 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,605 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,578 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,193 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,731 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Upland metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $58,328 (2019) to $78,072 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,731 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,403 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Upland 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) | $58,678 – $69,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,402 – $82,288 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,288 – $102,704 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,704 – $124,777 |
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 Upland
The local job market for surgical technologists in Upland consists of around 18 professionals, indicating a niche yet specialized demand for these roles. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, living expenses are notably higher than the national average, which can affect the purchasing power of surgical technologist pay in Upland, CA. Among the range of employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers—especially those focused on orthopedics and cardiothoracic procedures—tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages. Factors influencing the spread of salaries include niche specialties that command a premium, such as cardiovascular and neuro surgery compared to general surgery. Other considerations, such as call coverage, certification stipends for robotic surgery, and roles requiring surgical first assistance, also play critical roles in determining earnings. For professionals looking to maximize their pay, pursuing certifications in high-demand areas and seeking roles in trauma centers or travel surgical tech positions may yield the highest financial returns in this market.
More salary data for Upland, 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 $78,072 for surgical technologistsin the Upland 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 Upland 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