Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Downey, CA: $41.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Downey, CA runs $41.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Downey's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,695 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Downey, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $41.42 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive hourly pay opens lucrative opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in diverse clinical environments, including hospital operating rooms and specialized surgery centers. Those working part-time, for instance, on a typical schedule of three days per week, can benefit from higher hourly rates while maintaining work-life balance. The hourly range for surgical technologists in the area extends from $27.38 at entry-level positions to potential earnings of $64.20 for top performers, creating a favorable economic outlook for both newly certified and experienced technicians alike. These estimates stem from annual data, emphasizing the value of these skilled practitioners in the growing healthcare landscape of Downey.
About the Downey 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) | $27.38 | $219.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.96 | $279.69 |
| Median (P50) | $41.42 | $331.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.58 | $420.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.20 | $513.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downey
Based on $41.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.42/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downey, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,158 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,707. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Downey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,656.89 | $7,180 | $86,158 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $994.13 | $4,308 | $51,695 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.76 | $2,872 | $34,463 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Downey) | $41.42 |
| 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 Downey, CA earn a median of $86,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.44% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% above the California state average of $85,051.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.42/hr = $51,695/year (purchasing power: $45,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,158/year (purchasing power: $76,179).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Downey grew 33.9% from $29.36/hr (2019) to $39.30/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.66/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 Downey 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 Downey
Analyzing income potential reveals that a part-time surgical technologist working 24 hours per week might earn a robust annual income while enjoying flexibility that full-time positions might not offer. In the realm of per-diem surgical technologists, compensation for regular shifts typically ranges between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized fields such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery commanding rates as high as $75 per hour. Travel contracts further elevate earning potential, with weekly payments reaching $1,800 to $2,800, particularly appealing for those focusing on cardiac cases. Hourly rates can vary based on employment settings, with hospitals and ambulatory care centers generally offering stable pay, while private surgical centers may provide higher wages for niche specializations. When considering employment, surgical technologists must weigh trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance; some may take lower pay for comprehensive benefits that enhance overall job satisfaction. Negotiation tactics are essential in this context—researching prevailing rates specific to Downey and articulating individual skills can lead to better compensation.
More salary data for Downey, 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 Downey. 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 Downey 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