Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $41.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Vista, CA runs $41.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,256 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vista, CA, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $41.95, significantly higher than the national average of $32.76 per hour. This level of compensation reflects the demand for skilled technologists in various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For part-time or per-diem surgical technologists, who may work three days a week, this translates into a competitive income, allowing professionals to balance work and personal commitments while still earning a healthy wage. The hourly rate can vary greatly for these professionals, ranging from $28.74 for entry-level positions to $63.79 for those at the top of the pay scale.
With an elevated demand for skilled surgical technologists in Vista, the earning potential for part-time workers warrants further consideration. A surgical technologist working three days a week—totaling around 24 hours—could earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts but would still take home a respectable sum annually. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Vista often ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized fields, like cardiovascular and neurosurgical technology, commanding rates as high as $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can provide lucrative opportunities, averaging between $1,800 and $2,800 per week. Hourly rates can differ widely depending on the type of employer—hospitals typically offer stable positions with benefits, while ambulatory and specialty centers might provide higher pay rates without comprehensive health plans. Surgical technologists in Vista should research and negotiate their pay structure carefully, balancing the benefits of full-time employment against the flexibility and higher hourly rates found in per diem or travel work.
About the Vista 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) | $28.74 | $229.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.46 | $275.64 |
| Median (P50) | $41.95 | $335.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.36 | $418.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.79 | $510.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $41.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.95/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $87,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,339. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,677.97 | $7,271 | $87,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,006.78 | $4,363 | $52,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.19 | $2,908 | $34,902 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Vista) | $41.95 |
| 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 Vista, CA earn a median of $87,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.05% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% above the California state average of $85,128.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.95/hr = $52,353/year (purchasing power: $46,289).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,254/year (purchasing power: $77,148).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Vista grew 33.9% from $29.73/hr (2019) to $39.80/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.21/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 Vista 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.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Vista 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 Vista. 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 Vista 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