Surgical Technologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $86,271 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Long Beach, CA earns a median $86,271/year (≈ $41.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,279 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Long Beach, CA, are positioned advantageously within a dynamic job market, earning a median salary of $86,271 in 2026. This figure reflects the city’s competitive nature compared to the national average, which rests at $68,141. Local figures indicate a broad salary range, with entry-level positions starting at $55,835, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $133,720. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, acknowledge the unique cost pressures and healthcare demands in the region. Surgical technologists working in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities will find varied pay scales that highlight their critical role in surgical teams throughout Long Beach.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,835 | $26.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,682 | $35.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,271 | $41.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,427 | $53.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,720 | $64.28 |
Median Salary Position
26.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,885 (2026 est.). At $86,271, the local median is 26.61% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $86,271/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,080 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.61% more |
Surgical Technologists in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $86,271 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.61% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% above the California state average of $85,080.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,271 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,279 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,151
2025 BLS Actual
$81,851
2026 Current Est.
$86,271
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,151 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,936 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,849 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,736 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,271 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,930 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,151 (2019) to $81,851 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,930 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,779 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $55,835 – $73,682 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,682 – $86,271 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,271 – $110,427 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,427 – $133,720 |
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 Long Beach
The local employment scenario is promising, with 89 surgical technologists currently operating in Long Beach. However, residents face a cost of living index of 113.1—higher than the national average—which impacts overall take-home purchasing power. Hospitals typically offer the best compensation among employers, but specialized facilities focused on orthopedic, ophthalmology, or cardiothoracic procedures often provide substantial salaries as well. Factors like certification in robotic surgery and roles as surgical first assistants can further elevate pay. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Long Beach, pursuing specialty certifications or temporary travel positions may yield more lucrative opportunities, allowing professionals to leverage their skills in a market that rewards specialized training and experience.
More salary data for Long Beach, 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 $81,851 for surgical technologistsin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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