Surgical Technologist Salary in Sacramento, CA: $69,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Sacramento, CA earns a median $69,543/year (≈ $33.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Sacramento's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.7), that paycheck buys what $65,195 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Sacramento, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $69,543, which is slightly above the national median of $68,141, reflecting an increase of 2.06% relative to the national average. The salary range in Sacramento is significant, spanning from $48,231 for entry-level professionals to an impressive $126,438 for those at the top end of the market. This diverse pay spectrum, drawn from official BLS OEWS surveys, showcases the potential for surgical technologists, particularly those who specialize in critical areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, to command a premium for their expertise. A career in surgical technology not only promises competitive pay but also access to a dynamic job market in Sacramento, where the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,231 | $23.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,231 | $23.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,543 | $33.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,583 | $52.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,438 | $60.79 |
Median Salary Position
2.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sacramento
In Sacramento, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,207 (2026 est.). At $69,543, the local median is 2.06% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sacramento: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sacramento Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Sacramento median: $69,543/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,120 | -18.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +2.06% more |
Surgical Technologists in Sacramento, CA earn a median of $69,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.06% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 18.30% below the California state average of $85,120.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sacramento has a cost of living 6.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,543 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,195 — a 6.25% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,200
2025 BLS Actual
$65,980
2026 Current Est.
$69,543
2019–2027 Growth
+5.9%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,298 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sacramento metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew -4.7% from $69,200 (2019) to $65,980 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,298 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,098 (5.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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) | $48,231 – $48,231 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,231 – $69,543 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,543 – $108,583 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,583 – $126,438 |
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 Sacramento
The job market for surgical technologists in Sacramento is solid, with around 1,020 individuals currently employed in the field. However, those considering a career in this area must factor in the cost of living index of 106.67, which is above the national average. This means that while the surgical technologist pay in Sacramento CA is attractive, the cost of living can impact overall purchasing power. Employers that offer the highest salaries include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers—particularly in fields such as orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery—and travel surgical tech agencies. The disparity in compensation is driven by factors such as specialty training (with cardiovascular and neuro positions paying the most), availability of call coverage, and incentives for certifications like robotic surgery. To optimize earnings, aspiring surgical technologists should pursue specialty certifications and consider roles in high-demand environments, such as trauma centers or robotic surgery, while also being open to travel opportunities to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Sacramento, 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 $65,980 for surgical technologistsin the Sacramento 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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