Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $40.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Hawthorne, CA runs $40.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,073 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hawthorne, California, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $40.42, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $32.76. This strong compensation reflects the demand for skilled surgical technologists working in various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. For part-time workers averaging three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a practical living wage while offering flexibility. Entry-level positions in Hawthorne begin at around $27.13 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $58.96 per hour, making the surgical technologist profession appealing for both full-time and per-diem workers. These hourly figures are based on annual data estimates and highlight the lucrative potential in the field.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $27.13 | $217.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.12 | $280.95 |
| Median (P50) | $40.42 | $323.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.05 | $392.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.96 | $471.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $40.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.42/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,075 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,505. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,616.84 | $7,006 | $84,075 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $970.10 | $4,204 | $50,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.73 | $2,803 | $33,630 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Hawthorne) | $40.42 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $84,073 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.38% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the California state average of $85,094.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.42/hr = $50,445/year (purchasing power: $44,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,075/year (purchasing power: $74,337).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Hawthorne grew 33.9% from $28.65/hr (2019) to $38.35/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.60/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Considering the earning potential, part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week can expect to take home a substantial income annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem surgical technologists in Hawthorne often enjoy billing rates between $35 and $55 per hour, while those with specialties in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts for surgical technologists further amplify earnings, with weekly compensation reaching between $1,800 and $2,800, especially within high-demand specialties like cardiac surgery. Hourly pay varies considerably depending on the employer; for instance, surgical technologists in hospitals may earn different rates compared to those in specialty surgical centers or military units. Many are faced with trade-offs: opting for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive benefits such as health insurance. Negotiation strategies for these workers can be particularly effective in this environment, especially with employers valuing certified surgical technologists' experience and the potential impact of robotic surgery proficiency.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Hawthorne?
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How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Hawthorne?
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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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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