Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $41.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in San Rafael, CA runs $41.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,331 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,800 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at an impressive $41.51, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of only $32.76. This favorable rate offers substantial prospects for part-time and per-diem workers who often operate in vital settings, including hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. With a range that spans from $29.60 for entry-level positions to $61.12 for the most experienced professionals in the field, surgical technologists in San Rafael represent a well-compensated segment of healthcare workers. The figures presented are estimates derived from annual salary data and provide a comprehensive picture of the earnings potential for those entering or advancing within this vital profession.
About the San Rafael 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) | $29.60 | $236.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.91 | $279.27 |
| Median (P50) | $41.51 | $332.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.81 | $406.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.12 | $488.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $41.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.51/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $86,334 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,808. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,660.26 | $7,194 | $86,334 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.16 | $4,317 | $51,800 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.10 | $2,878 | $34,533 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (San Rafael) | $41.51 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $86,331 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.69% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% above the California state average of $85,055.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.51/hr = $51,800/year (purchasing power: $45,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,334/year (purchasing power: $76,334).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Rafael grew 33.9% from $29.42/hr (2019) to $39.38/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.75/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Examining the financial landscape reveals additional nuances regarding the compensation structure for surgical technologists in San Rafael. A tech working part-time, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, can expect an annual take-home significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still competitive considering the median hourly pay. Per diem surgical technologist pay in San Rafael generally ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, though specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Moreover, travel surgical technicians enjoy lucrative contracts, often pulling between $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand specialties. Different employer types, from hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers to military facilities, further influence these rates. Surgical technologists sometimes weigh the trade-off between higher hourly earnings and comprehensive health benefits offered by steady employers. For those negotiating hourly rates, presenting specialized certifications, such as robotic surgery, can serve as a strong leverage point in discussions, especially in the competitive job market of San Rafael.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in San Rafael?
Are surgical technologists in San Rafael paid hourly or salary?
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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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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