Riverside vs San Diego: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Riverside, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,674 | $86,702▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.27 | $41.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,531 | $65,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,021 | $70,344▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,915 | $101,595▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,471 | $106,907▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 1,110 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Diego is $5,028 (6.16%). San Diego's median is +27.24% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $50,940,San Diego spans $41,243. Riverside 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 Diego ($77,491 effective) pays 0.99% more than Riverside ($76,731 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,702/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,907)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,491)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Riverside grew 36.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$56,980 (2019) → $77,490 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$62,790 (2019) → $82,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Riverside or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Diego as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Riverside vs San Diego?
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