Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $41.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Long Beach, CA runs $41.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,271 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,761 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a robust $41.47, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive rate facilitates various working arrangements for surgical technologists, including part-time roles and per-diem opportunities across different healthcare settings like hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Those entering the profession can expect to earn around $26.85 per hour, while top specialists can reach upwards of $64.28 per hour. Such an hourly structure not only reflects a strong valuation of skills but also provides flexibility for those looking to work three days a week or take on per-diem roles that often extend beyond traditional full-time hours.
About the Long Beach 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) | $26.85 | $214.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.42 | $283.40 |
| Median (P50) | $41.47 | $331.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.09 | $424.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.28 | $514.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $41.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.47/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,268 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,770. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.00 | $7,189 | $86,268 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.40 | $4,313 | $51,761 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.60 | $2,876 | $34,507 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Long Beach) | $41.47 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $86,271 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.61% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% above the California state average of $85,080.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.47/hr = $51,761/year (purchasing power: $45,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,268/year (purchasing power: $76,276).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Long Beach grew 33.9% from $29.40/hr (2019) to $39.35/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.71/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Examining the potential earnings of surgical technologists in Long Beach reveals a favorable scenario for both full-time and part-time workers. A surgical technologist working part-time for three days a week, or approximately 24 hours, can expect to net around $51,000 annually. In contrast, per-diem surgical technologists commonly charge $35 to $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neuro surgery commanding even higher rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can further enhance earnings, offering weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly in high-demand specialties. However, these lucrative hourly rates often accompany a lack of benefits, prompting some professionals to consider positions in hospitals or surgical centers that offer health insurance albeit at a lower hourly rate. For those negotiating in this market, familiarizing themselves with employer types, such as military, VA surgical units, or travel agencies, can provide leverage in discussions about pay and benefits. By understanding these dynamics, surgical technologists in Long Beach can make informed career decisions that align with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Long Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Long Beach?
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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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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