Surgical Technologist Salary in Rialto, CA: $86,659 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Rialto, CA earns a median $86,659/year (≈ $41.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Rialto's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,622 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, surgical technologists can anticipate a robust median salary of $86,659 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this role reflects a diverse earning potential, spanning from $58,420 at the 10th percentile to $130,766 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adaptations, suggesting a competitive compensation landscape for surgical technologists in the area, especially for those with expertise in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery. As demand for surgical procedures continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals, making this an opportune time to enter the field in Rialto.
About the Rialto Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,420 | $28.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,465 | $33.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,659 | $41.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,295 | $51.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,766 | $62.87 |
Median Salary Position
27.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rialto
In Rialto, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,346 (2026 est.). At $86,659, the local median is 27.18% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rialto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rialto Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Rialto median: $86,659/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rialto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,127 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +27.18% more |
Surgical Technologists in Rialto, CA earn a median of $86,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.18% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.80% above the California state average of $85,127.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rialto has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rialto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,659 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,622 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,426
2025 BLS Actual
$82,219
2026 Current Est.
$86,659
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,219 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,718 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,081 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,845 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,219 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,659 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,338 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rialto metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,426 (2019) to $82,219 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,338 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,912 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rialto 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) | $58,420 – $70,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,465 – $86,659 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,659 – $107,295 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,295 – $130,766 |
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 Rialto
The job market for surgical technologists in Rialto is relatively small, with only 17 professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that housing, transportation, and other expenses are higher than the national average, which impacts the take-home purchasing power. Employers such as hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers for orthopedic or cardiothoracic procedures tend to offer the highest salaries. Factors like specialty certifications—particularly in robotic surgery or first assistant roles—can lead to substantial pay differentials. To maximize earnings in this area, aspiring surgical technologists should prioritize obtaining certifications, remain adaptable to various surgical environments, and seek positions that offer call coverage or higher-tier specialty roles, leveraging their skills in a competitive job market in Rialto, CA.
More salary data for Rialto, 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 $82,219 for surgical technologistsin the Rialto 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 Rialto 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