Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $40.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Palmdale, CA runs $40.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Palmdale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,735 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist hourly pay in Palmdale, California averages $40.65, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate makes the profession appealing for part-time and per-diem workers who typically engage in settings like hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers. Those working part-time, say three days a week, can earn a solid income even while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range varies, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $28.99, while the highest earners in Palmdale can see rates up to $63.01, based on estimates derived from projected annual salaries.
About the Palmdale 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) | $28.99 | $231.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.28 | $274.21 |
| Median (P50) | $40.65 | $325.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.61 | $412.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.01 | $504.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $40.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.65/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,558 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,783. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,626.11 | $7,046 | $84,558 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $975.67 | $4,228 | $50,735 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.44 | $2,819 | $33,823 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Palmdale) | $40.65 |
| 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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $84,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.08% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the California state average of $85,058.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.65/hr = $50,735/year (purchasing power: $44,858).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,558/year (purchasing power: $74,764).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Palmdale grew 33.9% from $28.82/hr (2019) to $38.57/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.85/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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
The potential annual earnings for part-time surgical technologists who work 24 hours a week can be considerably advantageous compared to their full-time counterparts, particularly given the busy surgical climate in Palmdale. Per diem surgical technologists, commonly billing between $35 and $55 per hour, can find lucrative opportunities, especially in specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where rates can reach $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts present another option with weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for those specializing in cardiac procedures. Variability exists across employer types in the area. Surgical technologists at hospitals may prioritize benefits, while those at specialty surgical centers or who join travel agencies might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare coverage. For those considering negotiation, understanding the balance between hourly pay and benefits can be key to achieving a satisfactory compensation package.
More salary data for Palmdale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Palmdale in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Palmdale?
Are surgical technologists in Palmdale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Palmdale?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Palmdale?
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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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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