Surgical Technologist Salary in Murrieta, CA: $84,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Murrieta, CA earns a median $84,912/year (≈ $40.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Murrieta's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,077 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Murrieta, California, can expect a median annual salary of $84,912, a figure notably above the national median of $68,141. This discrepancy showcases the area's robust demand for skilled professionals, particularly in high-level specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where advanced training adds a significant premium to overall compensation. Salaries in Murrieta range from $61,196 at the lower end to $129,890 at the higher end, reflecting the varied responsibilities and specialties that surgical technologists may undertake. These estimates derive from BLS state-level data and take regional price parities into account, positioning Murrieta as a competitive market for surgical tech professionals seeking growth and financial stability.
About the Murrieta Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,196 | $29.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,039 | $34.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,912 | $40.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,319 | $52.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,890 | $62.45 |
Median Salary Position
24.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murrieta
In Murrieta, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,694 (2026 est.). At $84,912, the local median is 24.61% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murrieta: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murrieta Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Murrieta median: $84,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murrieta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,083 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +24.61% more |
Surgical Technologists in Murrieta, CA earn a median of $84,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.61% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.20% below the California state average of $85,083.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murrieta has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murrieta, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,912 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,077 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,188
2025 BLS Actual
$80,562
2026 Current Est.
$84,912
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,474 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,733 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,528 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,562 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,498 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murrieta metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,188 (2019) to $80,562 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,498 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,310 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murrieta 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) | $61,196 – $72,039 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,039 – $84,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,912 – $108,319 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,319 – $129,890 |
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 Murrieta
With approximately 25 surgical technologists employed in the area, the local job market demonstrates consistent opportunities for those entering the field. However, the cost of living index in Murrieta sits at 113.1, suggesting that expenses are slightly above the national average, which could impact take-home pay. Among local employers, specialty surgical centers, particularly those focusing on orthopedic and cardiovascular procedures, tend to offer the most competitive salaries. The variance in pay levels often correlates with specialty focus, where advanced skills such as robotic surgery certification or roles in trauma centers can command higher wages. To maximize earnings in this market, surgical technologists should consider pursuing certification as a surgical first assistant (CSFA) and engaging in continuous education to enhance their qualifications and appeal to a diverse range of healthcare facilities in Murrieta.
More salary data for Murrieta, 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 $80,562 for surgical technologistsin the Murrieta 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 Murrieta 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