Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $41.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Buena Park, CA runs $41.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,170 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,708 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, surgical technologists earn a notable median hourly rate of $41.43, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. For part-time or per-diem workers, typically employed three days a week, the hourly earnings can translate into a stable income, particularly when considering the lower end of the hourly range starts at $29.45, while top earners can command up to $60.98 per hour. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a robust perspective for those entering the field or contemplating a shift within surgical technology in Buena Park.
About the Buena Park 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) | $29.45 | $235.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.74 | $277.92 |
| Median (P50) | $41.43 | $331.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.60 | $404.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.98 | $487.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $41.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.43/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,719. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,657.31 | $7,182 | $86,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $994.39 | $4,309 | $51,708 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.92 | $2,873 | $34,472 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Buena Park) | $41.43 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $86,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.46% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% above the California state average of $85,064.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.43/hr = $51,708/year (purchasing power: $45,719).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,180/year (purchasing power: $76,198).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Buena Park grew 33.9% from $29.37/hr (2019) to $39.31/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.67/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
Looking closer at the financial dynamics in Buena Park, part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours weekly could expect annual earnings that differ substantially from full-time counterparts, offering flexibility but a reduced overall income. Per-diem surgical technologists often find themselves billing between $35 and $55 per hour; those specializing in more complex procedures, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contract roles can yield earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Pay varies across employer types; for example, surgical technologists in military or VA facilities may encounter different compensation structures compared to specialty surgical centers. While some may choose positions offering lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively can lead to optimal compensation, especially knowing local pay trends and where the highest demand lies for surgical technologists in the Buena Park area.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Buena Park 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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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