Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Milpitas, CA: $39.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Milpitas, CA runs $39.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,578 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Milpitas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milpitas, CA, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $39.70, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate reflects the city's high demand for surgical technologists, making it an appealing option for both full-time and part-time workers in various medical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For those on a part-time schedule, say three days a week, the flexibility allows for a robust earning potential, while per-diem roles further enhance financial opportunities. The hourly pay range in Milpitas runs from $28.69 for entry-level positions to a remarkable $60.37 for seasoned professionals. These numbers, estimated from annual salary data, highlight the growth prospects in the field and underline why pursuing certification as a surgical technologist has become increasingly attractive.
About the Milpitas 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) | $28.69 | $229.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.64 | $269.15 |
| Median (P50) | $39.70 | $317.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.78 | $398.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.37 | $482.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milpitas
Based on $39.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.70/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milpitas, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,585 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,645. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milpitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milpitas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,588.17 | $6,882 | $82,585 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $952.90 | $4,129 | $49,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.27 | $2,753 | $33,034 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Milpitas) | $39.70 |
| 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 Milpitas, CA earn a median of $82,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.19% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the California state average of $85,132.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.70/hr = $49,551/year (purchasing power: $43,812).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,585/year (purchasing power: $73,019).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Milpitas grew 33.9% from $28.14/hr (2019) to $37.67/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.85/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 Milpitas 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 Milpitas
Employment patterns for surgical technologists in Milpitas reveal a dynamic landscape where part-time technicians can expect to earn around $49,800 annually, compared to $82,578 for full-time colleagues, offering substantial income flexibility. For those considering per diem or agency work, specialized surgical technologists can command impressive rates; generally, per-diem surgical techs bill between $35 and $55 hourly, while cardiovascular or neuro specialty roles may reach $50 to $75 hourly. Furthermore, travel contracts are lucrative, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Variations in hourly pay reflect the differences between employer types; working in a hospital typically offers more stability, but specialty surgical centers can provide higher compensation. Surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates absent those benefits when considering job offers. Those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist hourly pay in Milpitas should hone their negotiation skills, aligning their compensation discussions with their qualifications and the market demand for specialized expertise.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Milpitas in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Milpitas?
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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 Milpitas. 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 Milpitas 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