Surgical Technologist Salary in Westminster, CA: $86,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Westminster, CA earns a median $86,007/year (≈ $41.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,045 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $86,007 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this role varies widely, from $60,528 at the 10th percentile to $129,412 at the 90th percentile. Such variations often depend on the specialized nature of the work; those focusing on cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures are typically compensated at premium rates. With local estimates derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, these figures accurately reflect the growing demand and compensation trends in Westminster's healthcare sector, indicating a vibrant job market for skilled surgical technologists.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,528 | $29.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,936 | $34.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,007 | $41.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,744 | $51.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,412 | $62.22 |
Median Salary Position
26.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,884 (2026 est.). At $86,007, the local median is 26.22% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Westminster median: $86,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,072 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.22% more |
Surgical Technologists in Westminster, CA earn a median of $86,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.22% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the California state average of $85,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,007 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,045 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,964
2025 BLS Actual
$81,601
2026 Current Est.
$86,007
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,964 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,502 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,601 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,652 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,964 (2019) to $81,601 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,652 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,688 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $60,528 – $71,936 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,936 – $86,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,007 – $106,744 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,744 – $129,412 |
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 Westminster
In an area employing only 21 surgical technologists, Westminster's market demonstrates a unique dynamic influenced by the cost of living index of 113.1, which suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in lower-cost regions. Employers such as specialty surgical centers focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures tend to offer the highest pay rates, particularly for those with certifications in robotic surgery or the role of surgical first assistant. The salary disparities within Westminster are often attributed to the specialty area, with cardiovascular and neuro-focused positions earning notably more due to the skills and training required. To maximize earnings in this competitive environment, aspiring surgical technologists should seek advanced certifications, pursue roles in high-demand specialties, and explore opportunities outside traditional hospital settings, such as travel surgical tech positions that often come with higher pay scales.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Westminster?
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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 $81,601 for surgical technologistsin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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