Costa Mesa vs Sacramento: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,497▲ | $69,543 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.11▲ | $33.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,083▲ | $48,231 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,374▲ | $48,231 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,747 | $108,583▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,194▲ | $126,438 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 1,020▲ |
Verdict
Costa Mesa, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Sacramento is $15,954 (22.94%). Costa Mesa's median is +25.47% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $72,111,Sacramento spans $78,207. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Costa Mesa ($75,594 effective) pays 15.95% more than Sacramento ($65,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,497/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,194)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,594)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Costa Mesa grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$88,640 (2024) → $81,117 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$69,200 (2019) → $65,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Costa Mesa or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to Sacramento as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Costa Mesa vs Sacramento?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov