Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $40.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Tustin, CA runs $40.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,003 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $40.86, significantly surpassing the national median of $32.76 per hour. This higher compensation reflects the local demand for these vital healthcare professionals, who frequently work in various settings such as main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For part-time workers clocking around three days per week, this hourly wage translates into a lucrative opportunity, especially as they may also consider per-diem roles. Tustin’s surgical technologists can expect hourly earnings that range from $27.98 at entry-level positions to upwards of $60.52 among the top earners, illustrating a strong pay gradient within the profession based on experience and specific surgical specialties.
About the Tustin 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) | $27.98 | $223.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.59 | $268.73 |
| Median (P50) | $40.86 | $326.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.14 | $401.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.52 | $484.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $40.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.86/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $84,996 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,036. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,634.54 | $7,083 | $84,996 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $980.73 | $4,250 | $50,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $653.82 | $2,833 | $33,998 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Tustin) | $40.86 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $85,003 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.75% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.10% below the California state average of $85,088.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.86/hr = $50,998/year (purchasing power: $45,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,996/year (purchasing power: $75,151).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Tustin grew 33.9% from $28.97/hr (2019) to $38.77/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.07/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
When considering the financial potential for surgical technologists practicing in Tustin, hourly work can provide compelling options, especially for those choosing part-time or per-diem employment. A standard part-time schedule of three days per week results in about 24 hours of work, leading to a substantial annual income compared to many full-time roles in other industries. Per diem surgical technologists typically earn between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in critical fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery seeing rates soar to between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts can be especially lucrative, offering weekly pay from $1,800 to $2,800. Tustin's healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialty centers, may vary in pay structures, prompting some surgical technologists to trade off lower hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance. As a result, effective negotiation tactics are essential for achieving optimal compensation, highlighting the importance of understanding employer specifics within the local market.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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