Surgical Technologist Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $85,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $85,497/year (≈ $41.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,594 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, California, the projected pay for surgical technologists in 2026 reaches a commendable $85,497 annually, well above the national median of $68,141. This figure not only highlights the local job market's strength but also reflects the premium associated with specialized surgical fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Salaries range considerably from $60,083 at the lower end (P10) to $132,194 at the higher percentile (P90), indicating significant earning potential for those willing to pursue advanced certifications and specialize. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, with adjustments made to account for regional cost differences, affirming Costa Mesa as an attractive location for surgical technologists aiming for a lucrative career.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,083 | $28.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,374 | $34.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,497 | $41.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,747 | $51.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,194 | $63.56 |
Median Salary Position
25.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,111 (2026 est.). At $85,497, the local median is 25.47% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $85,497/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,072 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +25.47% more |
Surgical Technologists in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $85,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.47% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.50% above the California state average of $85,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,497 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,594 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,602
2025 BLS Actual
$81,117
2026 Current Est.
$85,497
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,602 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,372 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,891 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,048 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,114 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,602 (2019) to $81,117 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,114 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,512 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $60,083 – $71,374 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,374 – $85,497 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,497 – $107,747 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,747 – $132,194 |
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 Costa Mesa
The local job market currently employs 23 surgical technologists, presenting opportunities for growth, particularly as the field is projected to see a healthy 5.40% annual growth rate over the next five years. While the cost of living index in Costa Mesa stands at 113.1, slightly above the national average, it necessitates careful consideration of the take-home purchasing power. Employers such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers typically offer the most competitive salaries, especially for those with skills in robotic surgery and trauma cases. The disparity in surgical technologist pay in Costa Mesa is largely driven by specialty areas, with cardiovascular and neuro specialties commanding higher wages than orthopedic or general positions. To maximize earning potential, professionals should focus on gaining certifications like CSFA and seek positions that reward specialized skills and experience, especially in facilities with robust funding for advanced surgical procedures.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, 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 $81,117 for surgical technologistsin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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