Surgical Technologist Salary in Richmond, CA: $86,700 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Richmond, CA earns a median $86,700/year (≈ $41.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,658 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median salary of $86,700 in 2026, surgical technologists in Richmond, CA, are positioned above the national median, which stands at $68,141. This reflects a substantial premium for local professionals, particularly those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where the salary can climb significantly. The full compensation spectrum ranges from $58,165 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as high as $130,912 for those at the upper echelon (90th percentile). The figures cited are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, emphasizing the unique economic landscape of Richmond. These competitive salaries reveal a strong demand for skilled surgical technologists, especially given the area’s healthcare infrastructure.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,165 | $27.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,547 | $33.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,700 | $41.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,396 | $51.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,912 | $62.93 |
Median Salary Position
27.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,747 (2026 est.). At $86,700, the local median is 27.24% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Richmond median: $86,700/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,083 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +27.24% more |
Surgical Technologists in Richmond, CA earn a median of $86,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.24% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% above the California state average of $85,083.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,700 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,658 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,455
2025 BLS Actual
$82,258
2026 Current Est.
$86,700
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,455 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,249 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,201 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,118 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,888 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,700 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,382 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,455 (2019) to $82,258 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,382 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,927 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $58,165 – $70,547 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,547 – $86,700 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,700 – $107,396 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,396 – $130,912 |
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 Richmond
In Richmond, the job market for surgical technologists comprises around 25 professionals, indicating a niche but stable employment environment. Despite the promising salaries, the cost of living in the area, with a cost of living index of 113.1, suggests that take-home pay may effectively reflect that of a more competitive market. Top-paying positions often exist within local hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers focused on orthopedic, ophthalmology, and cardiothoracic procedures. The variation in salaries can be attributed to factors such as subspecialties, required call coverage, and certifications like robotic surgery. To maximize earnings in Richmond, surgical technologists should consider pursuing additional credentials, such as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), and develop skills in high-demand specialties—notably in robotics and trauma care—while seeking positions in high-paying sectors.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $82,258 for surgical technologistsin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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