Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Elsinore, CA: $40.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Lake Elsinore, CA runs $40.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Lake Elsinore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,893 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Elsinore, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.78, which significantly surpasses the national median of $32.76. This disparity highlights the potential for financial stability in this profession, particularly for those working in various settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For part-time workers, examining a typical three-day workweek can yield substantial earnings; those in entry-level positions might start at approximately $27.95, while highly experienced surgical technologists can make up to $62.71 per hour. These rates indicate a healthy pay scale for surgical techs in Lake Elsinore, especially when considering the connection between advanced qualifications and higher pay, including certifications in robotic surgery or specialty areas like neuro and cardiovascular procedures.
About the Lake Elsinore 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) | $27.95 | $223.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.42 | $267.38 |
| Median (P50) | $40.78 | $326.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.10 | $392.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.71 | $501.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Elsinore
Based on $40.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.78/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Elsinore, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,821 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,935. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Elsinore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Elsinore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,631.17 | $7,068 | $84,821 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $978.70 | $4,241 | $50,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $652.47 | $2,827 | $33,928 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Lake Elsinore) | $40.78 |
| 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 Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $84,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.49% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.30% below the California state average of $85,083.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.78/hr = $50,893/year (purchasing power: $44,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,821/year (purchasing power: $74,996).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lake Elsinore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lake Elsinore grew 33.9% from $28.91/hr (2019) to $38.69/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.98/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 Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore
Looking deeper into the earning potential for surgical technologists reveals a versatile income landscape. For part-time professionals working 24 hours per week, annual earnings could vary significantly compared to full-time peers, making the choice to work less appealing for some. Per diem surgical technologists in CA can bill anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized roles demanding rates as high as $75 for experienced cardiovascular or neuro-focused technicians. Travel contracts amplify this potential further, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly in high-demand specialties. It's essential to acknowledge that hourly rates may differ across employer types; health systems tend to offer benefits that might slightly lower hourly pay, while ambulatory surgery centers often provide competitive rates without benefits. When negotiating, surgical technologists in Lake Elsinore should weigh the value of health benefits against potential higher hourly pay from per diem work, ensuring they understand the complete package before agreeing to terms.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lake Elsinore in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Lake Elsinore?
Are surgical technologists in Lake Elsinore paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Lake Elsinore?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Elsinore?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Lake Elsinore. 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 Lake Elsinore 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