Surgical Technologist Salary in Oceanside, CA: $86,363 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Oceanside, CA earns a median $86,363/year (≈ $41.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Oceanside's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,360 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median surgical technologist salary in Oceanside, California, for 2026, is $86,363, reflecting a notable 26.74% premium over the national average of $68,141. This robust figure is supported by a salary range from $57,668 at the 10th percentile to a high of $129,430 at the 90th percentile, allowing for various levels of experience and specialization. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments illustrate how opportunities in this field can elevate earnings, especially as the trend towards robotic surgery certification gains momentum. Candidates who are certified in robotic surgery often command higher compensation, making it a valuable asset in the increasingly competitive job market of Oceanside.
About the Oceanside Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,668 | $27.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,871 | $33.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,363 | $41.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,602 | $51.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,430 | $62.23 |
Median Salary Position
26.74% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oceanside
In Oceanside, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,762 (2026 est.). At $86,363, the local median is 26.74% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oceanside: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oceanside Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Oceanside median: $86,363/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oceanside Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,086 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.74% more |
Surgical Technologists in Oceanside, CA earn a median of $86,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.74% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% above the California state average of $85,086.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oceanside has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oceanside, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,363 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,360 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,216
2025 BLS Actual
$81,938
2026 Current Est.
$86,363
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oceanside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,507 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,938 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,363 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,026 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oceanside metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,216 (2019) to $81,938 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,026 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,810 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oceanside 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) | $57,668 – $69,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,871 – $86,363 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,363 – $106,602 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,602 – $129,430 |
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 Oceanside
In Oceanside, California, the surgical technologist job market employs about 28 professionals, indicating a stable demand for skilled individuals in this healthcare niche. The cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses compared to the national average. Major employers, including hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, typically offer the most lucrative positions, particularly for those with expertise in cardiovascular, neuro, or robotic surgery. The variation in salaries often stems from factors such as specialty training, call coverage requirements, and roles like surgical first assistant, with the added incentive of travel surgical tech rates available for those willing to work on a temporary basis. To maximize earnings, candidates should focus on securing certifications in in-demand specialties and consider positions that offer robust benefits, which can substantially enhance overall compensation in the Oceanside market.
More salary data for Oceanside, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Oceanside?
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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 $81,938 for surgical technologistsin the Oceanside 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 Oceanside 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