Orange vs Riverside: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Orange, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orange, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,819▲ | $81,674 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.29▲ | $39.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,735▲ | $52,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,028▲ | $65,021 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,649▲ | $88,915 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,262▲ | $103,471 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Orange, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Orange and Riverside is $2,145 (2.63%). Orange's median is +23.01% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orange spans $67,527,Riverside spans $50,940. Orange 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 3.54% more than Orange ($74,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orange if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,819/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,262)
- ✓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 Orange grew -8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Orange, CA
$86,901 (2024) → $79,525 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$56,980 (2019) → $77,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orange, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Orange or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orange and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Orange to Riverside as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Orange 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