San Diego vs Bakersfield: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Bakersfield, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,702▲ | $82,707 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.69▲ | $39.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,664▲ | $53,469 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,344▲ | $64,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,595▲ | $86,533 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,907▲ | $99,361 |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 240 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bakersfield.
The salary gap between San Diego and Bakersfield is $3,995 (4.83%). 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 San Diego spans $41,243,Bakersfield spans $45,892. Bakersfield 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, Bakersfield ($81,981 effective) pays 5.79% more than San Diego ($77,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,702/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,907)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,981)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in San Diego grew 31.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Bakersfield over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$62,790 (2019) → $82,260 (2025)
Bakersfield, CA
$56,580 (2019) → $78,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Diego or Bakersfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Bakersfield?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Bakersfield as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Diego vs Bakersfield?
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