Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $39.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Lakewood, CA runs $39.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,761 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Lakewood, California, earn a median hourly rate of $39.87, which is significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive pay can particularly benefit those who wish to work part-time—such as three days a week—or those seeking per-diem opportunities within various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to start around $29.08 per hour, while experienced technicians in top-tier positions can earn up to $59.60 an hour. Such hourly rates indicate promising opportunities for professionals in the field, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled surgical staff amid advances in surgical techniques, including robotic surgery.
About the Lakewood 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) | $29.08 | $232.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.12 | $264.93 |
| Median (P50) | $39.87 | $318.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.25 | $394.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.60 | $476.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $39.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.87/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,847. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,594.91 | $6,911 | $82,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.95 | $4,147 | $49,761 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.97 | $2,765 | $33,174 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Lakewood) | $39.87 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $82,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.70% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% below the California state average of $85,054.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.87/hr = $49,761/year (purchasing power: $43,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,935/year (purchasing power: $73,329).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Lakewood grew 33.9% from $28.26/hr (2019) to $37.83/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.03/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Examining part-time earning potential in Lakewood, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could bring home around $49,544 annually, substantially less than a full-time worker. For those in per-diem positions, billing rates typically range from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery command even higher rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Furthermore, traveling surgical techs can earn $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, with cardiac specialty roles often offering premium rates. The hourly rates in Lakewood also fluctuate based on the type of employer, from hospital operating rooms to specialty surgical centers and military units. Many surgical technologists weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher hourly pay without benefits, influencing their decisions based on financial needs and career goals. Additionally, those seeking employment in this sector should focus on negotiating their hourly rates effectively, leveraging their CST credentials and CAAHEP-accredited training to secure optimal offers.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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