Surgical Technologist Salary in Palmdale, CA: $84,548 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Palmdale, CA earns a median $84,548/year (≈ $40.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Palmdale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $74,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Palmdale, CA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $84,548 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $68,141 by 24.08%. The salary range for this role extends from $60,286 at the tenth percentile to $131,049 at the ninetieth percentile, highlighting the potential for significant earnings based on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities indicate a strong financial outlook for those in this profession. Particularly, surgical technologists specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery can command higher premiums, reflecting both the complexity of the procedures and the advanced skills required in these subspecialties. With a growing demand for skilled surgical technologists, particularly in specialized settings, the job market in Palmdale continues to present promising opportunities.
About the Palmdale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,286 | $28.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,304 | $34.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,548 | $40.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,353 | $51.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,049 | $63.01 |
Median Salary Position
24.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Palmdale
In Palmdale, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,763 (2026 est.). At $84,548, the local median is 24.08% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Palmdale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Palmdale Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Palmdale median: $84,548/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Palmdale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,058 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +24.08% more |
Surgical Technologists in Palmdale, CA earn a median of $84,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.08% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the California state average of $85,058.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Palmdale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Palmdale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,548 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,755 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,929
2025 BLS Actual
$80,216
2026 Current Est.
$84,548
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Palmdale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,929 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,679 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,215 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,434 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,203 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,657 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,548 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,113 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Palmdale metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $59,929 (2019) to $80,216 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,113 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,184 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palmdale 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) | $60,286 – $71,304 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,304 – $84,548 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,548 – $107,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,353 – $131,049 |
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 Palmdale
In the Palmdale area, 29 surgical technologists are currently employed, contributing to a competitive job market. However, the local cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be higher than the national average, living expenses could impact purchasing power. Employers who tend to offer the best compensation include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers in fields like orthopedic and ophthalmology, and military/VA surgical units. Pay disparities often arise from factors such as specialty area, call coverage, and certifications, such as those for robotic surgery, which can significantly enhance earnings. To maximize their surgical technologist pay in Palmdale, professionals should consider gaining experience in high-demand specialties, obtaining additional certifications, and exploring opportunities with travel surgical tech agencies, which can offer lucrative compensation packages.
More salary data for Palmdale, 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 $80,216 for surgical technologistsin the Palmdale 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 Palmdale 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