Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $42.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Fairfield, CA runs $42.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,732 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, surgical technologists are poised to earn a competitive median hourly rate of $42.18 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This robust pay scale is attractive, especially for those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities within various surgical environments such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. The hourly rates for surgical technologists in Fairfield range from $29.22 for entry-level positions to as much as $63.04 for those at the top of their field. These figures, derived from 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS data, reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals in this vital healthcare role.
About the Fairfield 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) | $29.22 | $233.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.92 | $279.35 |
| Median (P50) | $42.18 | $337.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.96 | $415.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.04 | $504.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $42.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.18/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,737 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,617. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,687.24 | $7,311 | $87,737 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,012.35 | $4,387 | $52,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $674.90 | $2,925 | $35,095 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Fairfield) | $42.18 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $87,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.75% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.10% above the California state average of $85,094.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.18/hr = $52,642/year (purchasing power: $46,545).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,737/year (purchasing power: $77,574).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fairfield grew 33.9% from $29.90/hr (2019) to $40.02/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.46/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem surgical technologists in Fairfield reveals intriguing earning potential. A surgical technologist working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still quite favorable. Per-diem surgical technologists often bill between $35 to $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neuro surgery fetching rates as high as $75 per hour. Travel contracts can further escalate earnings, where professionals might earn $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Additionally, hourly wages may vary depending on the employer type: hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, or military installations may offer different pay scales. Many professionals must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus a more stable income with health insurance. For those negotiating their rates, understanding the local market and the value of specialization can empower them in securing optimal compensation.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fairfield 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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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