Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Montebello, CA: $40.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Montebello, CA runs $40.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,309 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Montebello's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,590 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Montebello, CA, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $40.54 in 2026, a striking figure that significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive hourly rate reflects both the cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled surgical technologists in various medical settings, including main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery center suites, and specialized surgical facilities. For part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, this translates to an opportunity to earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. Per-diem surgical technologists here can also benefit from a substantial pay range, from entry-level positions starting around $27.38 to experienced professionals earning up to $61.93 per hour, demonstrating the varying levels of expertise and roles within the profession.
About the Montebello 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) | $27.38 | $219.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.35 | $282.81 |
| Median (P50) | $40.54 | $324.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.87 | $406.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.93 | $495.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montebello
Based on $40.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.54/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montebello, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,317 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,644. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montebello.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montebello
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,621.47 | $7,026 | $84,317 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $972.88 | $4,216 | $50,590 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $648.59 | $2,811 | $33,727 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Montebello) | $40.54 |
| 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 Montebello, CA earn a median of $84,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.73% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the California state average of $85,075.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.54/hr = $50,590/year (purchasing power: $44,730).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,317/year (purchasing power: $74,551).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Montebello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Montebello grew 33.9% from $28.73/hr (2019) to $38.46/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.73/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 Montebello 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 Montebello
For those contemplating a part-time schedule in Montebello, working as a surgical technologist three days a week can yield a substantially different annual income compared to full-time roles. Assuming a 24-hour workweek, part-time technologists could take home considerably less annually than their full-time counterparts, yet still enjoy a steady paycheck. Additionally, per diem and agency surgical technologists often have the flexibility to choose their assignments, billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialty areas like cardiovascular and neuro surgery commanding rates of $50 to $75. Travel contracts can lead to even greater earnings, with pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly for high-demand specialties. However, the choice between working for higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with comprehensive health coverage is a common conundrum. Negotiating hourly rates based on experience, certifications like CST or robotic surgery training, and the specific demands of each employer type—whether hospitals, specialty centers, or travel agencies—can enhance job satisfaction and financial security in this rewarding field.
More salary data for Montebello, 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 Montebello. 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 Montebello 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