Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Thousand Oaks, CA: $40.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Thousand Oaks, CA runs $40.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,043 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Thousand Oaks's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Thousand Oaks, California, the surgical technologist hourly pay is notably strong, with a median rate of $40.41. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $32.76 by a substantive margin, highlighting the competitive nature of this field in the region. For part-time surgical technologists working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a comfortable income that supports a balanced work-life approach. Per-diem positions, often sought after for flexibility, typically see these professionals in settings like hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers. The hourly pay can vary widely, ranging from $29.62 for entry-level positions to $62.57 for the most experienced surgical technologists, reflecting both skill level and specialty.
About the Thousand Oaks 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) | $29.62 | $236.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.66 | $277.24 |
| Median (P50) | $40.41 | $323.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.97 | $407.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.57 | $500.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thousand Oaks
Based on $40.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.41/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thousand Oaks, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,054 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,492. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thousand Oaks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thousand Oaks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,616.41 | $7,004 | $84,054 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $969.85 | $4,203 | $50,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $646.57 | $2,802 | $33,621 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Thousand Oaks) | $40.41 |
| 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 Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $84,043 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.34% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the California state average of $85,064.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.41/hr = $50,432/year (purchasing power: $44,591).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,054/year (purchasing power: $74,318).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Thousand Oaks grew 33.9% from $28.64/hr (2019) to $38.34/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.59/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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks
Assessing the financial prospects for part-time surgical technologists in Thousand Oaks reveals an interesting dynamic. Those who work 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home income that juxtaposes favorably against full-time earnings, yet this varies based on how many shifts they choose to accept. Moreover, per diem surgical technologists generally charge between $35-$55 per hour, with specialty positions, such as those in cardiovascular or neuroscience, reaching up to $75 per hour depending on demand. Contract positions may yield even more competitive compensation, with travel surgical techs reporting earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, particularly for high-demand specialties. However, many professionals balance the hourly rate against benefits offered by hospitals, pondering whether to accept lower pay for health insurance or opt for higher pay without any benefits. For those in Thousand Oaks, understanding the various compensation structures and negotiating effectively can lead to more favorable outcomes in their career as surgical technologists.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Thousand Oaks in 2026?
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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 Thousand Oaks. 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 Thousand Oaks 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