Lake Elsinore vs San Francisco: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lake Elsinore, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Elsinore, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,828 | $104,757▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.78 | $50.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,145 | $65,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,524 | $81,875▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,128 | $121,990▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,434▲ | $130,201 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,440▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Elsinore.
The salary gap between Lake Elsinore and San Francisco is $19,929 (23.49%). San Francisco's median is +53.74% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Elsinore spans $72,289,San Francisco spans $64,252. Lake Elsinore 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, San Francisco ($90,610 effective) pays 20.81% more than Lake Elsinore ($75,003 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Elsinore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,434)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,757/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,610)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Lake Elsinore grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Lake Elsinore, CA
$87,947 (2024) → $80,482 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$74,570 (2019) → $99,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Elsinore, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lake Elsinore or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Elsinore and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Lake Elsinore to San Francisco as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Lake Elsinore vs San Francisco?
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