Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $42.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Fontana, CA runs $42.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,089 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $42.54, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay scale reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites, which often provide opportunities for part-time and per-diem roles. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the financial impact is substantial, offering flexibility while capitalizing on the state’s robust market. Entry-level technicians might see starting rates of around $27.90, while experienced professionals can command up to $65.94 as they ascend in their careers, illustrating the potential for significant growth within this field.
About the Fontana 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) | $27.90 | $223.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.16 | $273.28 |
| Median (P50) | $42.54 | $340.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.52 | $428.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.94 | $527.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $42.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.54/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $88,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,047. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,701.58 | $7,374 | $88,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,020.95 | $4,424 | $53,089 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.63 | $2,949 | $35,393 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Fontana) | $42.54 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $88,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.86% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.00% above the California state average of $85,083.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.54/hr = $53,089/year (purchasing power: $46,940).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,482/year (purchasing power: $78,233).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fontana grew 33.9% from $30.15/hr (2019) to $40.36/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.84/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Looking more closely at earnings, a surgical technologist working part-time for 24 hours a week could earn approximately $52,035 annually, which can be appealing compared to full-time commitments that may include less flexible hours. For per-diem surgical technologists, pay in Fontana typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery able to charge rates between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel agencies also offer lucrative contracts, with weekly pay often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on employer type, with hospitals often providing benefits that might justify lower hourly pay, while specialty centers may offer higher rates without additional perks. Surgical technologists in Fontana should consider the trade-offs between base pay and benefits to negotiate effectively, ensuring that they make the best financial decisions aligned with their professional goals.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Fontana 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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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