Surgical Technologist Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $86,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earns a median $86,253/year (≈ $41.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Rancho Cucamonga's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,263 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, can expect a median annual salary of $86,253 in 2026, reflecting a healthy 26.58% premium over the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $57,421 at the lower end (P10) to $129,097 at the upper echelon (P90). These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost factors. Given that many surgical technologists are employed in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty surgical centers, the choice of workplace can markedly influence their compensation. In a competitive job market like Rancho Cucamonga, those with specialized skills, such as in robotic surgery or trauma care, are particularly positioned to negotiate higher pay.
About the Rancho Cucamonga Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,421 | $27.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,775 | $35.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,253 | $41.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,367 | $51.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,097 | $62.07 |
Median Salary Position
26.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cucamonga
In Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,676 (2026 est.). At $86,253, the local median is 26.58% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cucamonga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cucamonga Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Rancho Cucamonga median: $86,253/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cucamonga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,062 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +26.58% more |
Surgical Technologists in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $86,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.58% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% above the California state average of $85,062.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cucamonga has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,253 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,263 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,138
2025 BLS Actual
$81,834
2026 Current Est.
$86,253
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,429 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,425 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,834 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,911 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cucamonga metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,138 (2019) to $81,834 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,911 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,773 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $57,421 – $74,775 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,775 – $86,253 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,253 – $106,367 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,367 – $129,097 |
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 Rancho Cucamonga
In Rancho Cucamonga, a total of 46 surgical technologists are currently employed, underscoring a targeted local job market that favors skilled professionals. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, slightly above the national average, meaning that take-home pay can be impacted by local pricing dynamics. Among various employers, hospitals typically offer higher salaries compared to ASCs and specialty centers, largely due to the range and complexity of procedures carried out. The disparity in salaries can further be attributed to specialty experience, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, as well as certifications in robotic surgery which can boost compensation. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists should consider pursuing certifications like the CST or CSFA, seek out roles in facilities known for high-paying specialties, and remain adaptable to emerging surgical technologies and practices.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Rancho Cucamonga, CA in 2026?
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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 $81,834 for surgical technologistsin the Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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