Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Ontario, CA: $39.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Ontario, CA runs $39.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Ontario's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Ontario, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $39.80, which significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive pay reflects not only the cost of living in Ontario but also the specialized skills required for this role, as surgical technologists often work in environments such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty units. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid income, offering opportunities for both per-diem and agency roles where the hourly rates range from $27.15 at entry-level positions to $60.47 for top earners seeking specialized work. These estimations and comparisons stem from projected data based on 2025 BLS figures, making the Ontario surgical technologist hourly pay notably advantageous for individuals in this field.
About the Ontario 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) | $27.15 | $217.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.60 | $260.80 |
| Median (P50) | $39.80 | $318.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.52 | $396.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.47 | $483.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ontario
Based on $39.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.80/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ontario, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,759. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ontario.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ontario
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,591.96 | $6,899 | $82,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $955.18 | $4,139 | $49,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.78 | $2,759 | $33,113 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Ontario) | $39.80 |
| 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 Ontario, CA earn a median of $82,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.48% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.70% below the California state average of $85,073.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.80/hr = $49,669/year (purchasing power: $43,916).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,782/year (purchasing power: $73,194).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Ontario grew 33.9% from $28.21/hr (2019) to $37.76/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.95/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 Ontario 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 Ontario
Considering the earning potential for surgical technologists engaged in part-time work, someone on a 24-hour schedule each week could take home around $49,728 annually before taxes. This figure is quite favorable for individuals who may prioritize work-life balance or are pursuing further education. For per-diem surgical technologists in Ontario, pay can vary significantly; typical hourly rates are between $35 and $55, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery fetching rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts also offer lucrative options, drawing in between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, highlighting the demand for skilled labor. Hourly rates can differ noticeably based on the employer, with hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers each presenting unique compensation structures. As health insurance benefits often tempt surgical technologists to accept lower hourly wages, understanding the trade-offs is crucial when negotiating pay. Given Ontario's competitive healthcare environment, it is advisable for surgical technologists to clearly define their priorities, whether it be benefits or higher immediate pay, especially when discussing compensation with potential employers.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Ontario in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Ontario?
Are surgical technologists in Ontario paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Ontario?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Ontario?
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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 Ontario. 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 Ontario 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