Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Burbank, CA: $40.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Burbank, CA runs $40.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Burbank's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,419 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.40, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This premium pay reflects the city’s cost of living and demand for skilled professionals in surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. For those opting for part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, this translates into a solid income that can be particularly appealing for individuals seeking flexibility. Burbank's hourly wage range spans from $27.16 for entry-level positions to about $61.07 for experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale, demonstrating the varied earning potential within this vital healthcare profession. These hourly estimates arise from annual salary projections based on 2025 BLS data, showcasing the value of surgical technologists in the local healthcare environment.
About the Burbank 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) | $27.16 | $217.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.92 | $263.33 |
| Median (P50) | $40.40 | $323.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.09 | $400.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.07 | $488.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burbank
Based on $40.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.40/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burbank, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,480. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burbank.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burbank
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,615.99 | $7,003 | $84,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $969.60 | $4,202 | $50,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.40 | $2,801 | $33,613 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Burbank) | $40.40 |
| 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 Burbank, CA earn a median of $84,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.33% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the California state average of $85,060.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.40/hr = $50,419/year (purchasing power: $44,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,032/year (purchasing power: $74,299).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Burbank grew 33.9% from $28.64/hr (2019) to $38.33/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.58/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 Burbank 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 Burbank
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home an annual income substantially below their full-time counterparts, but this arrangement allows for a balanced work-life commitment. Per diem surgical technologists in Burbank typically bill between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery resulting in pay closer to $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts provide even greater financial rewards, averaging $1,800 to $2,800 per week, especially in high-demand specialties. The variation in hourly rates also reflects the differences among various types of employers, such as military and VA units versus private surgical centers. It's common for surgical technologists to weigh the option of lower hourly pay with benefits, including health insurance, against opportunities for higher wages without benefits. Negotiating a favorable pay rate is vital in this competitive market, and surgical techs should come prepared with data reflecting prevailing rates in Burbank to advocate for appropriate compensation.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Burbank in 2026?
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Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Burbank?
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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 Burbank. 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 Burbank 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