Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Porterville, CA: $40.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Porterville, CA runs $40.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,215 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Porterville's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Porterville, California, earn a median hourly pay of $40.48, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate reflects the unique demands of the profession within local surgical settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialized surgical environments. For part-time workers maintaining a schedule of three days a week, the attractive hourly rate can make a substantial impact on their overall earnings, especially considering the minimum hourly range starts at $27.28 for entry-level positions and can go up to $59.19 for experienced professionals. With the demand expected to grow, these hourly rates are projected based on 2025 BLS data, enhancing the job’s appeal for those entering the field.
About the Porterville 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) | $27.28 | $218.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.26 | $282.05 |
| Median (P50) | $40.48 | $323.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.21 | $393.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.19 | $473.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Porterville
Based on $40.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.48/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Porterville, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,207 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,581. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Porterville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Porterville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,619.37 | $7,017 | $84,207 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $971.62 | $4,210 | $50,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $647.75 | $2,807 | $33,683 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Porterville) | $40.48 |
| 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 Porterville, CA earn a median of $84,215 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.59% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.00% below the California state average of $85,065.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.48/hr = $50,524/year (purchasing power: $44,672).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,207/year (purchasing power: $74,454).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Porterville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Porterville grew 33.9% from $28.70/hr (2019) to $38.41/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.67/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 Porterville 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 Porterville
In Porterville, the financial dynamics for surgical technologists can shift notably depending on employment type and specialty. Part-time surgical techs working 24 hours a week could see annual earnings considerably lower than their full-time counterparts due to a limited work schedule. However, the per diem surgical technologist pay in Porterville is particularly enticing, allowing professionals to bill $35-$55 per hour, with cardiovascular and neuro specialty rates reaching between $50 and $75 per hour. For travel surgical technologists, contracts can yield weekly compensation ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, with premium pay for highly sought-after specialties. Employers, such as hospitals and specialized surgical centers, often offer varied pay scales, which necessitate careful consideration of benefits versus hourly rates. While some may favor stability and health insurance in exchange for lower hourly wages, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Surgical technologists should negotiate carefully, keeping in mind the unique compensation structures and their personal career priorities in Porterville.
More salary data for Porterville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Porterville in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Porterville?
Are surgical technologists in Porterville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Porterville?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Porterville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Porterville. 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 Porterville 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