Riverside vs Visalia: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Riverside, CA and Visalia, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Visalia, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,674▲ | $64,579 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.27▲ | $31.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,531▲ | $45,206 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,021▲ | $46,292 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,915▲ | $69,775 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,471▲ | $83,593 |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Visalia.
The salary gap between Riverside and Visalia is $17,095 (26.47%). Riverside's median is +19.86% 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,Visalia spans $38,387. 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, Riverside ($76,731 effective) pays 18.61% more than Visalia ($64,692 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,674/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,471)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,731)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Visalia if…
- ✓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 15.2% growth in Visalia over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$56,980 (2019) → $77,490 (2025)
Visalia, CA
$53,200 (2019) → $61,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Visalia, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Riverside or Visalia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Visalia?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Visalia as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Riverside vs Visalia?
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