Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Sunnyvale, CA: $55.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Sunnyvale, CA runs $55.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Sunnyvale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,150 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a surgical technologist in Sunnyvale, CA, the projected median hourly pay stands at $55.41, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This robust hourly rate reflects the competitive market for surgical tech positions in the area, especially in vital medical environments such as hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities. The hourly pay for surgical technologists in Sunnyvale ranges from $38.67 for entry-level roles to $85.32 for top earners, offering ample opportunities for growth within this vital profession. Additionally, for part-time workers and per-diem professionals, this means potential earnings can be quite lucrative, providing flexibility while still benefiting from the higher standard of living found in sunny California.
About the Sunnyvale 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) | $38.67 | $309.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.05 | $368.39 |
| Median (P50) | $55.41 | $443.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.62 | $556.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.32 | $682.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunnyvale
Based on $55.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.41/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunnyvale, CA can expect to earn approximately $115,250 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,491. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunnyvale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunnyvale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,216.35 | $9,604 | $115,250 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,329.81 | $5,763 | $69,150 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $886.54 | $3,842 | $46,100 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Sunnyvale) | $55.41 |
| 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 Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $115,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 69.14% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 35.50% above the California state average of $85,058.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.41/hr = $69,150/year (purchasing power: $61,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,250/year (purchasing power: $101,901).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sunnyvale grew 33.9% from $39.28/hr (2019) to $52.57/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.40/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 Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale
Examining part-time potential, a surgical technologist working three days a week for 24 hours can expect to earn a substantial income, yet it varies markedly from full-time positions. Per-diem surgical technologists in Sunnyvale often charge between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding premium rates as high as $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts for surgical technologists can yield impressive weekly earnings, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for high-demand specialties. Hourly rates differ widely among various employers, such as military surgical units, specialty centers, and ambulatory surgery facilities, which can influence a professional's decision between higher pay without benefits versus lower pay with health insurance. Negotiating for an appropriate hourly rate in this thriving market can be crucial; understanding the specific needs and budgets of local employers can position surgical technologists to advocate effectively for fair compensation suited to both their skills and the demands of the job market in Sunnyvale.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Sunnyvale in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Sunnyvale?
Are surgical technologists in Sunnyvale paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Sunnyvale?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sunnyvale?
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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 Sunnyvale. 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 Sunnyvale 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