Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $39.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Santa Maria, CA runs $39.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,656 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $39.79 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate allows for lucrative opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers within various surgical settings, such as main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For those looking to work three days a week, the potential for earnings remains substantial, while per-diem roles can prove even more financially rewarding. The hourly pay scale ranges from $25.19 for entry-level positions to an impressive $54.47 for top earners, reflecting the demand for this crucial role in the operating room and sterile processing environments. The figures cited are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, confirming surgical technology as a promising career path in CA.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.19 | $201.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.81 |
| Median (P50) | $39.79 | $318.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.53 | $388.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.47 | $435.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $39.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.79/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $82,760 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,746. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,591.54 | $6,897 | $82,760 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.92 | $4,138 | $49,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.62 | $2,759 | $33,104 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Santa Maria) | $39.79 |
| 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 Santa Maria, CA earn a median of $82,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.44% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.70% below the California state average of $85,046.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.79/hr = $49,656/year (purchasing power: $45,641).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,760/year (purchasing power: $76,068).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Santa Maria grew 20.1% from $31.44/hr (2019) to $37.75/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.94/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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria
When considering the part-time earning potential, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week might take home around $62,198 annually, contrasting sharply with a full-time tech's possible earnings. Per-diem surgical technologists typically bill hourly, ranging generally from $35 to $55, with specialized areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding rates between $50 and $75. Additionally, travel contracts can offer weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, especially for those willing to work in high-demand settings. Furthermore, salaries can vary depending on the employer type within Santa Maria, with those at community hospitals sometimes seeing lower rates compared to specialized surgical facilities or military units. Many workers trade higher hourly wages for benefits like health insurance when working in less lucrative but more stable environments. For surgical technologists in Santa Maria, negotiation plays a vital role; understanding current rates and market demand can help individuals strategically advocate for their worth, especially with the advancements in robotic surgery and specialty certifications enhancing hireability.
More salary data for Santa Maria, 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 Santa Maria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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