Laguna Niguel vs Riverside: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Laguna Niguel, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laguna Niguel, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,618▲ | $81,674 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.73▲ | $39.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,432▲ | $52,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,068▲ | $65,021 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,505▲ | $88,915 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,925▲ | $103,471 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Laguna Niguel, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Laguna Niguel and Riverside is $944 (1.16%). Laguna Niguel's median is +21.25% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laguna Niguel spans $66,493,Riverside spans $50,940. Laguna Niguel 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, Riverside ($76,731 effective) pays 5.04% more than Laguna Niguel ($73,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laguna Niguel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,618/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,925)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,731)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Laguna Niguel grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Laguna Niguel, CA
$85,655 (2024) → $78,385 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$56,980 (2019) → $77,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laguna Niguel, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Laguna Niguel or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laguna Niguel and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Laguna Niguel to Riverside as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Laguna Niguel vs Riverside?
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