Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Oxnard, CA: $128,072 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Oxnard, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $128,072/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Oxnard's price premium (BEA RPP 110.5, 11% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,867 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Salaries for seasoned surgical technologists in Oxnard, California, indicate a robust earning potential, especially for those who excel in their field. With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $84,383, the earnings can significantly increase for top-tier professionals. Those in the 90th percentile can expect to earn up to $128,072, which not only highlights the disparity between average and top salaries but also illustrates the importance of advanced skill sets, specialized training, and extensive experience. To command such high wages, surgical technologists typically need at least seven years of hands-on experience, along with additional certifications in specialty areas or advanced roles, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). This experience premium in Oxnard allows for more competitive salaries compared not just to local averages but also to the national median of $68,141, emphasizing the city's unique market conditions.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxnard
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Oxnard earn between $102,986 and $128,072 per year (2026 est.). This $71,462 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oxnard median of $84,383 sits 23.84% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Oxnard | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $84,383 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,986 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $128,072 | $102,175 |
In Oxnard, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 51.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Oxnard
Advanced Certifications in California
CA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $84,383 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oxnard employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Oxnard command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,986–$128,072 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oxnard metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Oxnard with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Oxnard
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOxnard ranks #76 of 157 California cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $128,072).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Oxnard ($128,072) is 8.73% above the California average P90 ($117,792).
2019 BLS Actual
$78,930
2025 BLS Actual
$121,510
2026 Current Est.
$128,072
2019–2027 Growth
+71.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oxnard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,930 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,072 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,987 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Oxnard saw their compensation grow 53.9% from $78,930 in 2019 to $121,510 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $134,987 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxnard 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Oxnard
In Oxnard, certain specializations such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery (certified with systems like da Vinci) yield higher salaries due to their complexity and demand. For senior surgical technologists, the type of employer also influences compensation significantly; those employed in hospital operating rooms may experience different pay scales compared to those in specialty surgical centers or ambulatory surgery facilities. Additionally, opportunities for leadership roles, like lead surgical tech or OR supervisor, exist for those willing to further their education and training, particularly with credentials like CST or further advancements toward CSFA. Various advanced certifications can boost earning potential, and non-salary compensation factors such as call coverage, certifications for specialized fields, or travel surgical tech roles can also elevate total earnings. These variables create a thriving environment that encourages experienced professionals in surgical technology to refine their skills and expand their qualifications, ultimately enhancing their impact in the healthcare landscape of Oxnard, CA.
More salary data for Oxnard, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Oxnard in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Oxnard?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Oxnard?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Oxnard?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Oxnard?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $121,510 for surgical technologists in the Oxnard metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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