Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $40.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $40.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,721 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,827 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Citrus Heights, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $40.73 in 2026, considerably higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This premium reflects the cost of living in the area and the specialized skills required for the role. For part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, this hourly rate can offer a substantial income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining flexibility. Additionally, per-diem surgical technologists can expect variable pay depending on their experience and specific surgical specialties, with entry-level professionals earning around $27.84 and top earners making as much as $60.05 per hour in various settings including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $27.84 | $222.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.32 | $266.54 |
| Median (P50) | $40.73 | $325.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.80 | $398.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.05 | $480.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $40.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.73/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,711 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,872. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,629.06 | $7,059 | $84,711 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $977.44 | $4,236 | $50,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.62 | $2,824 | $33,884 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Citrus Heights) | $40.73 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $84,721 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.33% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.40% below the California state average of $85,061.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.73/hr = $50,827/year (purchasing power: $44,940).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,711/year (purchasing power: $74,899).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Citrus Heights grew 33.9% from $28.87/hr (2019) to $38.64/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.93/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
For those considering a part-time schedule of approximately 24 hours per week, surgical technologists in Citrus Heights could take home around $50,781 annually, providing a significant income without the demands of full-time work. The per diem model, common in this field, permits additional flexibility and can be lucrative, with rates typically ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, and specialized positions in cardiovascular or neuro surgery commanding between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical techs may even earn $1,800 to $2,800 per week in contract situations. However, it's essential to assess the trade-offs of hourly pay against benefits such as healthcare, which could influence a decision to opt for lower hourly compensation in full-time positions with more stability. Negotiating hourly rates in Citrus Heights may be effective by researching specific employer norms and emphasizing relevant certifications, such as training from CAAHEP-accredited programs or proficiency in robotic surgery systems.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Citrus Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Citrus Heights?
Are surgical technologists in Citrus Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Citrus Heights?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Citrus Heights?
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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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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