Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $41.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Garden Grove, CA runs $41.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,208 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden Grove, surgical technologists earn a median hourly wage of $41.83, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This advantageous hourly pay structure is appealing for those seeking flexible work arrangements, such as part-time positions commonly available in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and specialized surgical facilities. Surgical technologists working three days a week can leverage these hourly rates, earning a solid living while enjoying a work-life balance. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $28.31 per hour, the earning potential increases for seasoned professionals, reaching up to $63.48 per hour for the top earners in the field. Hourly compensation reflects the demands and intricacies of various surgical settings, addressing the critical need for skilled personnel in operating rooms, trauma units, and surgical processing departments.
About the Garden Grove 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) | $28.31 | $226.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.22 | $273.79 |
| Median (P50) | $41.83 | $334.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.00 | $416.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.48 | $507.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $41.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.83/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,200. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,673.33 | $7,251 | $87,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,004.00 | $4,351 | $52,208 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.33 | $2,900 | $34,805 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Garden Grove) | $41.83 |
| 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 Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $87,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.70% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.30% above the California state average of $85,060.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.83/hr = $52,208/year (purchasing power: $46,161).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,013/year (purchasing power: $76,935).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Garden Grove grew 33.9% from $29.65/hr (2019) to $39.69/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.09/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 Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove
Part-time surgical technologists in Garden Grove can expect to earn substantial income even with a limited work schedule. For instance, a tech working three days a week at 24 hours could take home approximately $52,000 annually, quite competitive compared to full-time earnings. With the rise of per-diem roles, many surgical technologists opt for flexible arrangements, billing between $35-$55 an hour on average. More specialized areas, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, drive up per diem rates, often reaching $50-$75 per hour. Travel surgical technologists benefit from lucrative contracts, earning between $1,800-$2,800 weekly, especially in high-demand specialties. Compensation can differ significantly based on the type of employer, ranging from hospitals to military units and specialized surgical centers. While some may choose lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without perks. For those negotiating their compensation, understanding the local market dynamics and factoring in additional benefits can lead to favorable arrangements.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove. 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 Garden Grove 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