Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Pomona, CA: $42.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Pomona, CA runs $42.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Pomona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pomona, California, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $42.29, which significantly exceeds the national median of $32.76. This robust hourly pay reflects the specialized skills and training required for the role, especially considering the diverse surgical environments where these professionals thrive, such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to receive around $29.34 per hour, while those with extensive experience may earn as much as $63.55 per hour. This wide range allows for substantial earning potential, particularly beneficial for part-time or per-diem workers who typically enjoy dynamic schedules in various clinical settings, offering flexibility alongside competitive pay.
About the Pomona 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) | $29.34 | $234.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.14 | $281.12 |
| Median (P50) | $42.29 | $338.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.19 | $417.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.55 | $508.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pomona
Based on $42.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.29/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pomona, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,956 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,744. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pomona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pomona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,691.46 | $7,330 | $87,956 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,014.88 | $4,398 | $52,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.58 | $2,932 | $35,182 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Pomona) | $42.29 |
| 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 Pomona, CA earn a median of $87,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.08% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.40% above the California state average of $85,066.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.29/hr = $52,774/year (purchasing power: $46,661).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,956/year (purchasing power: $77,768).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pomona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Pomona grew 33.9% from $29.97/hr (2019) to $40.12/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.57/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 Pomona 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 Pomona
For a part-time surgical technologist working three days a week, earning $42.29 per hour translates to approximately $52,000 annually, a rewarding figure relative to full-time counterparts. Those opting for per-diem or agency positions may encounter varying pay scales; for instance, standard rates for most per diem surgical technologist pay in Pomona range from $35 to $55 per hour, while specialists in cardiovascular or neurosurgery fields could see rates soar to between $50 and $75. Travel assignments further enhance financial opportunities, often offering contracts that yield between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. Different employer types in the Pomona region, such as military surgical units or specialty surgical centers, contribute to this variability in hourly wages. Surgical technologists must weigh benefits carefully; often, those accepting lower hourly rates in traditional employment settings may gain valuable health insurance and job security, while others may prefer the flexibility of higher per diem rates without benefits. When negotiating pay, aspiring surgical technologists in Pomona should articulate their credentials and specialized training, including any certifications like the CST, to secure optimal hourly compensation.
More salary data for Pomona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Pomona in 2026?
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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 Pomona. 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 Pomona 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