Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $40.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Clemente, CA runs $40.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,619 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in San Clemente, California, enjoy a competitive median hourly rate of $40.68, which is a substantial increase compared to the national hourly median of $32.76. This pay structure makes a significant impact for those considering part-time or per-diem work, which is common in various healthcare settings like main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For a surgical technologist working three days a week, the median hourly pay could translate into a steady income while also allowing for a flexible schedule. Entry-level positions may start from around $27.68 per hour, while experienced surgical techs specializing in high-demand areas can earn up to $62.35 per hour, reflecting a diverse landscape for surgical technologist hourly pay in San Clemente.
About the San Clemente 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) | $27.68 | $221.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.77 | $278.17 |
| Median (P50) | $40.68 | $325.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.27 | $410.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.35 | $498.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $40.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.68/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,624 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,821. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,627.38 | $7,052 | $84,624 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $976.43 | $4,231 | $50,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $650.95 | $2,821 | $33,849 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Clemente) | $40.68 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $84,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.18% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the California state average of $85,130.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.68/hr = $50,774/year (purchasing power: $44,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,624/year (purchasing power: $74,822).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Clemente grew 33.9% from $28.84/hr (2019) to $38.60/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.88/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
Contracting as a per-diem surgical technologist in San Clemente offers varying earning potential, where many practitioners can anticipate billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery potentially earning between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel surgical technologist contracts also present lucrative options, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for cardiac specialties. However, the type of employer plays a significant role in determining hourly rates, with surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and military units experiencing different pay scales. Moreover, while some may opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating rates in San Clemente, being aware of the local market trends and the specific salary expectations for your specialty can provide an advantage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in San Clemente?
Are surgical technologists in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in San Clemente?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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