Escondido vs Los Angeles: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Escondido, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Escondido, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,890▲ | $85,985 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.25▲ | $41.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,224▲ | $52,964 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,961▲ | $69,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,538▲ | $103,071 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,691▲ | $107,519 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 3,440▲ |
Verdict
Escondido, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Escondido and Los Angeles is $1,905 (2.22%). Escondido's median is +28.98% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Escondido spans $70,467,Los Angeles spans $54,555. Escondido has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Escondido ($77,710 effective) pays 2.64% more than Los Angeles ($75,714 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Escondido if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,890/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,691)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,710)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Escondido grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Escondido, CA
$91,121 (2024) → $83,387 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $81,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Escondido, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Escondido or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Escondido and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Escondido to Los Angeles as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Escondido vs Los Angeles?
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