Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $41.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Berkeley, CA runs $41.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,408 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,248 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For surgical technologists in Berkeley, California, the median hourly pay is projected to be $41.06 in 2026, a significant increase compared to the national median of $32.76. This higher wage reflects the overall cost of living in the area and the specialized skills that professionals in this role bring to healthcare settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and trauma OR suites. With an hourly rate range between $29.80 and $60.74, those just starting in the field can expect to earn closer to the lower end, while experienced technologists, especially in specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, may command higher rates. The variances in hourly rates across different types of surgical settings also illustrate the demand and necessity for skilled surgical technologists, whose pay is derived from annual salary estimates tailored to local market conditions.
About the Berkeley 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) | $29.80 | $238.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.12 | $280.95 |
| Median (P50) | $41.06 | $328.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.12 | $400.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.74 | $485.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $41.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.06/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,277. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,642.55 | $7,118 | $85,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.53 | $4,271 | $51,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.02 | $2,847 | $34,165 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Berkeley) | $41.06 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $85,408 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.34% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.40% above the California state average of $85,067.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.06/hr = $51,248/year (purchasing power: $45,312).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,413/year (purchasing power: $75,520).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Berkeley grew 33.9% from $29.11/hr (2019) to $38.96/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.28/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Shifting to a part-time role, a surgical technologist working three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, could see their earnings markedly influenced by the hourly rate structure. While full-time professionals enjoy consistent income, part-timers might bring home a total of around $51,436 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. Per diem surgical technologists often command rates between $35 and $55 per hour; however, those in high-demand specialties, like cardiovascular and neuro surgery, can see pay rates soar to between $50 and $75 per hour. Furthermore, travel surgical tech contracts can net between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, especially in areas where staffing is crucial. In Berkeley, rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, from hospitals to specialty surgical centers and even military positions. Some surgical technologists choose permanent placements for the benefits that come with them, while others prioritize higher hourly compensation without those additional perks. For those looking to negotiate salaries, understanding local market rates and the demand for various specialties can help secure a more favorable arrangement.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Berkeley in 2026?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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