Surgical Technologist Salary in Alhambra, CA: $83,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Alhambra, CA earns a median $83,845/year (≈ $40.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Alhambra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,134 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Alhambra, California, can expect a median annual salary of $83,845 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $68,141. This salary reflects a strong job market driven by various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty surgical centers. The salary range for surgical technologists in the area extends from $62,612 at the 10th percentile to $127,177 at the 90th percentile, influenced by the structure of local healthcare services and the demand for skilled professionals. These figures are derived from state-level BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlighting the competitive landscape for surgical technologist pay in Alhambra.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,612 | $30.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,573 | $34.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,845 | $40.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,476 | $48.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,177 | $61.14 |
Median Salary Position
23.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alhambra
In Alhambra, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,565 (2026 est.). At $83,845, the local median is 23.05% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alhambra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alhambra Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Alhambra median: $83,845/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alhambra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,121 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +23.05% more |
Surgical Technologists in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $83,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.05% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the California state average of $85,121.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alhambra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alhambra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,845 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,134 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,431
2025 BLS Actual
$79,549
2026 Current Est.
$83,845
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,431 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,166 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,578 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,549 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,372 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alhambra metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $59,431 (2019) to $79,549 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,372 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,941 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,612 – $72,573 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,573 – $83,845 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,845 – $101,476 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,476 – $127,177 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Alhambra
The local job market for surgical technologists in Alhambra is comparatively small, with only 13 individuals currently employed in this role. However, the cost of living index in Alhambra stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be affected by higher living expenses. In terms of compensation, hospitals typically offer the highest pay, especially for roles requiring advanced skills such as robotic surgery certification or working in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. The differences in pay within the market can also result from factors like call coverage requirements and the premium associated with working as a surgical first assistant. To maximize earning potential, surgical technologists should seek certifications that align with high-demand specialties and consider opportunities with organizations that provide additional stipends for advanced skills.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Alhambra, CA in 2026?
Is Alhambra, CA a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Alhambra?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $79,549 for surgical technologistsin the Alhambra metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra 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