Sacramento vs Simi Valley: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Simi Valley, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Simi Valley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,543 | $87,910▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.43 | $42.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,231 | $61,183▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,231 | $73,003▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,583 | $110,463▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,438 | $135,034▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,020▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Simi Valley, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Simi Valley is $18,367 (26.41%). Simi Valley's median is +29.01% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $78,207,Simi Valley spans $73,851. Sacramento 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, Simi Valley ($77,728 effective) pays 19.22% more than Sacramento ($65,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Simi Valley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,910/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,034)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,728)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Sacramento grew -4.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.5% growth in Simi Valley over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$69,200 (2019) → $65,980 (2025)
Simi Valley, CA
$91,142 (2024) → $83,406 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Simi Valley, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Sacramento or Simi Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Simi Valley?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Simi Valley as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Sacramento vs Simi Valley?
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