Surgical Technologist Salary in Pasadena, CA: $85,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pasadena, CA earns a median $85,744/year (≈ $41.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $75,813 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the field of surgical technology presents a competitive salary climate, with a 2026 median annual salary of $85,744. This figure significantly outstrips the national median by 25.83%, reflecting the heightened demand and specialized skills required for the role. Surgical technologists in the area can expect earnings ranging from $60,644 at the lower 10th percentile to $132,855 at the upper 90th, presenting a well-defined spectrum based on experience, qualifications, and employer settings. With a strategic choice of employment between hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical centers, factors such as the type of surgery and organizational setting contribute significantly to these salary variances. The projection of these numbers is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, with regional price parity adjustments that indicate a robust healthcare market in Pasadena.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,644 | $29.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,872 | $34.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,744 | $41.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,490 | $52.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,855 | $63.87 |
Median Salary Position
25.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,211 (2026 est.). At $85,744, the local median is 25.83% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasadena: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasadena Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $85,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,063 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +25.83% more |
Surgical Technologists in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $85,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.83% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 0.80% above the California state average of $85,063.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,744 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,813 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,777
2025 BLS Actual
$81,351
2026 Current Est.
$85,744
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,777 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,416 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,897 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,351 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,374 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $60,777 (2019) to $81,351 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,374 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,597 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $60,644 – $71,872 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,872 – $85,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,744 – $108,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,490 – $132,855 |
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 Pasadena
Analyzing the local job market, Pasadena employs around 35 surgical technologists, underscoring a targeted niche within a broader healthcare landscape. The cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are comparatively high, the local living expenses also reflect a premium, influencing take-home purchasing power. Employers offering the most competitive compensation include hospital operating rooms with specialized services, particularly in fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which typically offer higher pay rates due to their complexity. Factors such as call coverage, robotic surgery certification, and the pursuit of surgical first assistant roles provide opportunities for surgical technologists to enhance their earnings. For those looking to maximize their pay in Pasadena, pursuing certifications in robotic technologies or seeking out trauma center designations can yield significant financial benefits, aligning with market demands for specialized skills.
More salary data for Pasadena, 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 $81,351 for surgical technologistsin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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