Surgical Technologist Salary in Buena Park, CA: $86,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Buena Park, CA earns a median $86,170/year (≈ $41.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,189 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $86,170 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. This competitive pay range allows for earnings from $61,260 at the entry level (P10) to as much as $126,844 for experienced professionals (P90). Local salary figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments for the cost of living. Working within various settings—be it in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical centers—can further influence compensation outcomes, as different environments often provide unique opportunities for higher wages. The impressive salary projections reflect a growing demand for surgical technologists in the area and align well with Buena Park's robust healthcare market.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,260 | $29.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,270 | $34.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,170 | $41.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,258 | $50.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,844 | $60.98 |
Median Salary Position
26.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,584 (2026 est.). At $86,170, the local median is 26.46% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $86,170/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,064 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.46% more |
Surgical Technologists in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $86,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.46% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% above the California state average of $85,064.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,170 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,189 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,079
2025 BLS Actual
$81,755
2026 Current Est.
$86,170
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,079 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,862 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,766 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,338 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,755 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,823 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,079 (2019) to $81,755 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,823 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,744 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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) | $61,260 – $72,270 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,270 – $86,170 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,170 – $105,258 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,258 – $126,844 |
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 Buena Park
Currently, approximately 20 surgical technologists are employed in Buena Park, a strong indicator of a healthy job market given the local population size. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are above the national average, the purchasing power for surgical technologists may be somewhat moderated by higher living expenses. Indeed, experience in high-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can lead to better pay, with certain surgical facilities offering premium wages to those with specialized skills. Opportunities for higher compensation might be found in surgical centers focused on advanced techniques, such as robotic surgery, where added certification can yield considerable incentives. To maximize potential earnings in this market, aspiring surgical technologists should consider pursuing certifications and gaining experience in high-paying fields while also exploring employment options at the most lucrative hospitals and centers in Buena Park.
More salary data for Buena Park, 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 $81,755 for surgical technologistsin the Buena Park 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 Buena Park 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