Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,985 | $105,537▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.34 | $50.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,964 | $68,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,669 | $83,403▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,071 | $113,748▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,519 | $137,526▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,440▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $19,552 (22.74%). Santa Cruz's median is +54.88% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $54,555,Santa Cruz spans $68,742. Santa Cruz 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, Santa Cruz ($96,034 effective) pays 26.84% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,526)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,034)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Los Angeles grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 56.3% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$59,930 (2019) → $81,580 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$64,060 (2021) → $100,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz?
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