Surgical Technologist Salary in Fairfield, CA: $87,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Fairfield, CA earns a median $87,732/year (≈ $42.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Fairfield's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $77,570 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Fairfield, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $87,732, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in healthcare settings. The local salary range spans from $60,773 at the 10th percentile to $131,124 at the 90th percentile, indicative of the varying responsibilities and expertise levels within this field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. As Fairfield hosts a mix of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, the type of employer can greatly influence a surgical technologist's compensation, with potential for higher pay in more specialized settings.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,773 | $29.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,639 | $34.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,732 | $42.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,079 | $51.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,124 | $63.04 |
Median Salary Position
28.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
In Fairfield, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,351 (2026 est.). At $87,732, the local median is 28.75% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfield Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Fairfield median: $87,732/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,094 | +3.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +28.75% more |
Surgical Technologists in Fairfield, CA earn a median of $87,732 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.75% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.10% above the California state average of $85,094.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfield has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfield, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,732 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,570 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,186
2025 BLS Actual
$83,237
2026 Current Est.
$87,732
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,482 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,049 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,035 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,957 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,237 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,469 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfield metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $62,186 (2019) to $83,237 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,469 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,283 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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) | $60,773 – $72,639 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,639 – $87,732 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,732 – $108,079 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,079 – $131,124 |
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 Fairfield
Fairfield's job market for surgical technologists is currently composed of around 25 professionals, highlighting a competitive yet growing sector. The local cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, meaning that while salaries are attractive, they must also stretch further in a region where living expenses surpass the national average. Among the different employers in the area, hospitals, particularly those with trauma center designations, tend to offer more robust salaries compared to ambulatory surgery centers. Specialized roles in cardiovascular or neurosurgery continue to command premium compensation, especially for those with advanced qualifications like robotic surgery certification. To maximize earning potential in this vibrant market, surgical technologists in Fairfield should pursue certifications such as the CST and consider positions that provide opportunity for advancement into roles like surgical first assistant or positions with specialty focus.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 $83,237 for surgical technologistsin the Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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