Surgical Technologist Salary in Anaheim, CA: $87,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Anaheim, CA earns a median $87,516/year (≈ $42.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is $87,516, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. This figure illustrates the premium afforded for skills in specialized areas, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which further elevates earning potential. The salary spectrum ranges from $58,485 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $135,650 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity in professional experience and specialization among surgical technologists in the area. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, highlighting the strong demand for surgical technologists within Anaheim's healthcare market, particularly in response to technological advancements and specialized surgical procedures.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,485 | $28.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,105 | $34.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,516 | $42.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,988 | $53.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,650 | $65.22 |
Median Salary Position
28.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,165 (2026 est.). At $87,516, the local median is 28.43% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anaheim Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $87,516/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,049 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +28.43% more |
Surgical Technologists in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $87,516 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.43% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.90% above the California state average of $85,049.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,516 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,379 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,033
2025 BLS Actual
$83,032
2026 Current Est.
$87,516
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,033 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,844 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,329 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,278 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,242 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $62,033 (2019) to $83,032 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,242 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,209 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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) | $58,485 – $71,105 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,105 – $87,516 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,516 – $110,988 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,988 – $135,650 |
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 Anaheim
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 51 surgical technologists employed in Anaheim, which contributes to a competitive landscape for surgical technologist pay in Anaheim, CA. The area's cost-of-living index, resting at 113.1, indicates that while salaries are attractive, the purchasing power is somewhat tempered by higher living expenses. The largest employers—hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers (including orthopedic and cardiothoracic)—frequently offer the highest wages, while travel surgical tech agencies can provide lucrative opportunities as well. The variation in pay can often be attributed to the intricacies of the role, such as certifications in robotic surgery, the demand for trauma center designations, and the premium for specialties like cardiovascular and neuro surgery. For surgical technologists looking to maximize their earnings in Anaheim, pursuing advanced certifications, gaining diverse surgical experience, and considering opportunities within high-demand specializations can significantly enhance their pay prospects.
More salary data for Anaheim, 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
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 $83,032 for surgical technologistsin the Anaheim 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 Anaheim 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