Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $41.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Richmond, CA runs $41.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,024 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, California, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $41.69, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive hourly rate opens various opportunities for part-time and per-diem work in diverse settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. Surgical technologists can expect to earn between $27.96 at the lower end of the spectrum and $62.93 for the top earners in the field. These estimates, derived from annual salary data projected to 2026, reflect the robust demand for skilled professionals equipped with the CST credential and training from CAAHEP-accredited programs. With Richmond's cost of living index slightly above the national average, the rewarding hourly pay becomes even more relevant for those navigating their career paths in surgical technology.
About the Richmond 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) | $27.96 | $223.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.92 | $271.34 |
| Median (P50) | $41.69 | $333.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.64 | $413.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.93 | $503.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $41.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.69/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,023. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,667.43 | $7,226 | $86,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,000.46 | $4,335 | $52,024 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.97 | $2,890 | $34,683 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Richmond) | $41.69 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $86,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.24% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% above the California state average of $85,083.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.69/hr = $52,024/year (purchasing power: $45,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,706/year (purchasing power: $76,663).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Richmond grew 33.9% from $29.55/hr (2019) to $39.55/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.94/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Part-time surgical technologists operating three days a week, accumulating around 24 hours, can earn approximately $51,000 annually, which is a viable income, especially in Richmond. The per diem surgical technologist pay in the area commonly ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, but those with specialized skills in cardiothoracic or neurosurgery can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts, particularly for surgical technologists, present lucrative prospects, with weekly earnings between $1,800 and $2,800, especially for roles in high-demand specialties like cardiac surgeries. The disparity in hourly rates across employer types can sometimes reflect the benefits attached to full-time positions, such as health insurance versus higher payday opportunities in per diem roles. It's essential for surgical technologists in Richmond to maintain flexible negotiation tactics, as understanding the value of their skills and certifications can significantly influence their hourly pay and overall career satisfaction.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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