San Diego vs Oxnard: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,702▲ | $84,383 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.69▲ | $40.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,664▲ | $56,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,344▲ | $68,257 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,595 | $102,986▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,907 | $128,072▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 200 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oxnard.
The salary gap between San Diego and Oxnard is $2,319 (2.75%). 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,Oxnard spans $71,462. Oxnard 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, San Diego ($77,491 effective) pays 1.51% more than Oxnard ($76,341 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)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,491)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,072)
- ✓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 34.7% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$62,790 (2019) → $82,260 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$59,440 (2019) → $80,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Diego or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Oxnard as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Diego vs Oxnard?
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