Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $39.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Bakersfield, CA runs $39.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,617 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $39.76 in 2026, significantly above the national average of $32.76 per hour. This favorable hourly rate offers part-time and per-diem workers in various medical settings, such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, the potential for robust earnings. Those working three days a week could realistically take home a healthy income, especially when considering the hourly range, which spans from $25.71 for entry-level positions to $47.77 for seasoned professionals. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 data projected to 2026, reveals a growing demand for surgical technologists across the region, particularly as they play an integral role in modern surgical procedures.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.71 | $205.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.85 | $246.80 |
| Median (P50) | $39.76 | $318.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.60 | $332.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.77 | $382.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $39.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.76/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,694 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,708. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,590.28 | $6,891 | $82,694 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.17 | $4,135 | $49,617 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.11 | $2,756 | $33,078 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Bakersfield) | $39.76 |
| 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 Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $82,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.38% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.80% below the California state average of $85,090.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.76/hr = $49,617/year (purchasing power: $49,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,694/year (purchasing power: $81,968).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bakersfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bakersfield grew 38.7% from $27.20/hr (2019) to $37.72/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.90/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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield
When examining the financial prospects for surgical technologists, part-time professionals working just 24 hours a week can still earn a sizeable income compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem surgical technologists in Bakersfield, billing rates vary widely; many earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery commanding rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, often reaching $1,800 to $2,800 per week. The variability in hourly rates highlights the different employer types in the area—from hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to military units and travel agencies—each offering contrasting compensation models. While some may sacrifice higher hourly pay for the stability of full-time employment and benefits, others may choose the freedom of per-diem work. As a strategic move, surgical technologists can negotiate their rates effectively by considering the unique demands and compensation structures across different medical settings in Bakersfield, CA.
More salary data for Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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