San Jose vs Fresno: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between San Jose, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Jose, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,609▲ | $67,857 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.14▲ | $32.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,833▲ | $49,422 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,934▲ | $53,364 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,570▲ | $84,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,688▲ | $90,265 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 520 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between San Jose and Fresno is $44,752 (65.95%). San Jose's median is +65.26% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Jose spans $58,855,Fresno spans $40,843. San Jose 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 Jose ($101,980 effective) pays 53.53% 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 Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,609/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,688)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,980)
- ✓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 Jose grew 55.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.8% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Jose, CA
$68,680 (2019) → $106,840 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$65,590 (2019) → $64,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Jose, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: San Jose or Fresno?
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Should I relocate from San Jose to Fresno as a surgical technologist?
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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