Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Alameda, CA: $39.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Alameda, CA runs $39.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,638 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Alameda's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Alameda, California, will see a median hourly pay of $39.73 in 2026, significantly outpacing the national median of $32.76. This premium rate reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in various settings, such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Those entering the field may start at approximately $28.75 per hour, while seasoned surgical techs can earn up to $60.47 per hour, depending on their experience and specialty. With the growing trend toward robotic-assisted surgeries and advanced techniques, obtaining certification as a surgical technologist can prove beneficial for both entry-level and experienced candidates in enhancing their earning potential.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.75 | $230.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.71 | $269.66 |
| Median (P50) | $39.73 | $317.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.84 | $398.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.47 | $483.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alameda
Based on $39.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.73/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alameda, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,670. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alameda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alameda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,589.01 | $6,886 | $82,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.41 | $4,131 | $49,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.60 | $2,754 | $33,051 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Alameda) | $39.73 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Alameda, CA earn a median of $82,638 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.28% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.90% below the California state average of $85,106.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.73/hr = $49,577/year (purchasing power: $43,835).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,629/year (purchasing power: $73,058).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Alameda grew 33.9% from $28.16/hr (2019) to $37.69/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Alameda
Part-time surgical technologists working three days a week, or 24 hours, can expect to take home around $49,529 annually. In contrast, those working full-time will see the benefits of a higher overall income. Per diem surgical technologists in Alameda often bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery commanding rates as high as $50 to $75 hourly. Travel contracts for surgical technologists bring in substantial income, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for skills in high-demand fields. Various employer types, from military units to private ambulatory centers, can influence pay rates significantly, leading some to prefer lower hourly wages with benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating their rates, understanding the local market and emphasizing specialty certifications can be key strategies for maximizing their compensation within the surgical technologist hourly pay structure in CA.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Alameda. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov