Fresno vs Los Angeles: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fresno, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fresno, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,857 | $85,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.62 | $41.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,422 | $52,964▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,364 | $69,669▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,109 | $103,071▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,265 | $107,519▲ |
| Total Employed | 520 | 3,440▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between Fresno and Los Angeles is $18,128 (26.72%). Los Angeles's median is +26.19% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fresno spans $40,843,Los Angeles spans $54,555. Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles ($75,714 effective) pays 13.99% more than Fresno ($66,424 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,985/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,519)
- ✓Larger job market (3,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,714)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fresno grew -1.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Fresno, CA
$65,590 (2019) → $64,380 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $81,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fresno, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fresno or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fresno and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Fresno to Los Angeles as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fresno 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