San Diego vs Stockton: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Stockton, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Stockton, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,702 | $86,744▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.69 | $41.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,664▲ | $54,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,344▲ | $65,664 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,595 | $108,520▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,907 | $119,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Stockton, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Stockton is $42 (0.05%). Stockton's median is +27.30% 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,Stockton spans $64,916. Stockton 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, Stockton ($82,543 effective) pays 6.52% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Stockton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,744/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,724)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,543)
- ✓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 40.0% growth in Stockton over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$62,790 (2019) → $82,260 (2025)
Stockton, CA
$58,770 (2019) → $82,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Stockton, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Diego or Stockton?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Stockton?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Stockton as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Diego vs Stockton?
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