Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in El Cajon, CA: $40.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in El Cajon, CA runs $40.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against El Cajon's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,787 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Cajon, the surgical technologist hourly pay averages $40.69, significantly eclipsing the national hourly median of $32.76. This impressive wage reflects not just the local market demand but also the rigorous training required in various surgical settings, including hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers. For part-time workers, such as those who frequently work three days a week, this rate translates to a considerable income, especially when combined with the opportunity for per-diem positions, which can offer more flexibility. Entry-level technicians start at around $27.80 per hour, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay spectrum earn upwards of $62.10. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries, painted a promising picture for those considering a career in surgical technology in El Cajon.
About the El Cajon 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) | $27.80 | $222.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.50 | $267.97 |
| Median (P50) | $40.69 | $325.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.79 | $406.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.10 | $496.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Cajon
Based on $40.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.69/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Cajon, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,645 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,834. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Cajon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Cajon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,627.80 | $7,054 | $84,645 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.68 | $4,232 | $50,787 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $651.12 | $2,822 | $33,858 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (El Cajon) | $40.69 |
| 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 El Cajon, CA earn a median of $84,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.22% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.50% below the California state average of $85,070.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.69/hr = $50,787/year (purchasing power: $44,905).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,645/year (purchasing power: $74,841).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in El Cajon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in El Cajon grew 33.9% from $28.85/hr (2019) to $38.61/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.89/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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon
Turning to the part-time earning potential, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could bring home a substantial income compared to a full-time commitment. While full-timers benefit from consistent schedules, those opting for per-diem roles often see hourly rates vary. Billing rates for per-diem surgical technologists in El Cajon typically range from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery earning between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts can be particularly lucrative, offering weekly pay between $1,800 and $2,800, especially in high-demand areas like cardiac surgery. Consideration of employer types also affects hourly pay, as hospital positions often include benefits, while independent contractors may enjoy higher rates without them. Negotiating these variables—like hourly rate versus benefits—becomes essential for surgical techs seeking to maximize their overall compensation.
More salary data for El Cajon, 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 El Cajon. 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 El Cajon 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