San Francisco vs Fresno: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,757▲ | $67,857 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.37▲ | $32.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,949▲ | $49,422 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,875▲ | $53,364 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,990▲ | $84,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,201▲ | $90,265 |
| Total Employed | 1,440▲ | 520 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Fresno is $36,900 (54.38%). San Francisco's median is +53.74% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $64,252,Fresno spans $40,843. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($90,610 effective) pays 36.41% more than Fresno ($66,424 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,201)
- ✓Larger job market (1,440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,610)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in San Francisco grew 33.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.8% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$74,570 (2019) → $99,390 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$65,590 (2019) → $64,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Francisco or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Fresno as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in San Francisco vs Fresno?
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