Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Moreno Valley, CA: $41.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Moreno Valley, CA runs $41.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,879 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Moreno Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical technologists in Moreno Valley, CA enjoy a median hourly pay of $41.29, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This pay structure translates to a solid earning potential for part-time professionals working three days a week at typical facilities such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For those entering the field, pay can start at around $28.39 per hour, while those at the top of their game may see figures as high as $64.00. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary data estimates for 2026, reflect a broad spectrum within the profession, catering to both entry-level and seasoned surgical techs in the region, demonstrating the competitive nature of surgical technologist hourly pay in Moreno Valley.
About the Moreno Valley 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) | $28.39 | $227.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.13 | $273.03 |
| Median (P50) | $41.29 | $330.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.85 | $422.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.00 | $511.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moreno Valley
Based on $41.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.29/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moreno Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $85,873 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,542. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moreno Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moreno Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,651.41 | $7,156 | $85,873 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $990.84 | $4,294 | $51,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $660.56 | $2,862 | $34,349 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Moreno Valley) | $41.29 |
| 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 Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $85,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.03% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% above the California state average of $85,113.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.29/hr = $51,524/year (purchasing power: $45,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,873/year (purchasing power: $75,927).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Moreno Valley grew 33.9% from $29.26/hr (2019) to $39.17/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.51/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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
Analyzing part-time earnings reveals that a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $51,000 annually, substantially lower than a comparable full-time role. Per diem surgical technologists in Moreno Valley typically bill between $35 and $55 per hour, while specialized roles such as cardiovascular or neuro positions can command premium rates upwards of $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts are particularly lucrative, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for cardiac specialties. Various employer types influence hourly rates, with hospitals generally providing some benefits, which can lead to lower upfront hourly pay compared to private surgical centers. Navigating these options requires a strategic approach, as some professionals may opt for lower pay in exchange for benefits. Confident negotiation on pay that reflects skills—especially for those with certifications in robotic surgery or specialized training—can significantly improve compensation prospects in the Moreno Valley area.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, 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 Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley 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