Surg Tech Salary

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.

$87,256
Median Annual Salary
$41.95/hr
Hourly Rate
$59,776
Entry Level (P10)
$132,679
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Surgical Technologist Hourly Rate in Vista, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Vista, CA surgical technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a surgical technologist in Vista earning $41.95/hr would make approximately $50,339 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $87,254 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$50,339Reduced (32 hr/wk)$67,119Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$87,254

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$335.59
per 8hr shift
$1,677.97
per week
$7,271
per month
$87,254
per year

Schedule Comparison in Vista

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing surgical technologist median salary in Vista ($87,256) with California average ($85,128) and the US national median ($68,141).Vista$87,256California Avg$85,128+2.50%US National$68,141+28.05%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for surgical technologists in Vista. Baseline $29.73/hr in 2025, projected to $44.21/hr by 2027.$27$32$37$42$472019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.73$30.60$29.88$34.45$37.31$43.49$39.80$41.95$44.21
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$29.73/hrActual
2020$30.60/hrActual
2021$29.88/hrActual
2022$34.45/hrActual
2023$37.31/hrActual
2024$43.49/hrActual
2025$39.80/hrActual
2026(current)$41.95/hrEstimated
2027$44.21/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vista metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Vista in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Vista is $41.95/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.40% annual growth). Rates range from $28.74 at entry level (10th percentile) to $63.79 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 28.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Vista?

A part-time surgical technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Vista earns approximately $4,363/month, or $52,353/year at the median hourly rate of $41.95. Many surgical technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are surgical technologists in Vista paid hourly or salary?

The majority of surgical technologists in Vista are paid hourly at a median rate of $41.95/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $87,254/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Vista?

A full-time surgical technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Vista earns approximately $87,254/year at the median hourly rate of $41.95. This is 28.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $132,679/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Vista?

Part-time and per diem surgical technologists in Vista sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $63.79/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Ramirez, AAS, CSTData verified by Fatima Ali, BS, CST

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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