El Cajon vs Sacramento: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between El Cajon, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Cajon, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,645▲ | $69,543 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.69▲ | $33.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,827▲ | $48,231 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,664▲ | $48,231 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,655 | $108,583▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,162▲ | $126,438 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,020▲ |
Verdict
El Cajon, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between El Cajon and Sacramento is $15,102 (21.72%). El Cajon's median is +24.22% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Cajon spans $71,335,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, El Cajon ($74,841 effective) pays 14.80% 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 El Cajon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,645/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,162)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,841)
- ✓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 El Cajon grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
El Cajon, CA
$87,757 (2024) → $80,308 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$69,200 (2019) → $65,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Cajon, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: El Cajon or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Cajon and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from El Cajon to Sacramento as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in El Cajon 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