Surgical Technologist Salary in Davis, CA: $82,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Davis, CA earns a median $82,348/year (≈ $39.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $72,810 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected median surgical technologist salary in Davis, CA, for 2026 is $82,348, reflecting a robust growth rate and a competitive market compared to the national median of $68,141. Surgical technologists in Davis can expect to earn between $59,069 and $121,718 annually, depending on experience and specialty. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 while taking into account local cost-of-living adjustments. The demand for certified surgical technologists, particularly those with robotic surgery certification, continues to shape the salary landscape in this area, as hospitals and surgical centers increasingly seek professionals equipped to support advanced surgical procedures.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,069 | $28.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,523 | $33.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,348 | $39.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,882 | $49.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,718 | $58.52 |
Median Salary Position
20.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,649 (2026 est.). At $82,348, the local median is 20.85% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Davis median: $82,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,070 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.85% more |
Surgical Technologists in Davis, CA earn a median of $82,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.85% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.20% below the California state average of $85,070.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,348 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,810 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$58,370
2025 BLS Actual
$78,129
2026 Current Est.
$82,348
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,370 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,074 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,648 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,376 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,129 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $58,370 (2019) to $78,129 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,425 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $59,069 – $69,523 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,523 – $82,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,348 – $102,882 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,882 – $121,718 |
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 Davis
In terms of local employment dynamics, there are currently 14 surgical technologists working in Davis, highlighting a relatively small but specialized market. The cost of living index in Davis stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, take-home purchasing power may be impacted by local expenses. Among the highest-paying employers are hospital operating rooms, which often provide premium pay for specialized skills such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Several factors contribute to variations in compensation, including specialty experience, call coverage, and additional certifications like those for robotic surgery. To optimize earning potential, surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, particularly in high-demand areas, and seek employment with facilities known for competitive pay structures.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Davis, CA in 2026?
Is Davis, CA a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Davis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Davis?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Davis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $78,129 for surgical technologistsin the Davis 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 Davis 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