Surgical Technologist Salary in Santa Clara, CA: $114,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Santa Clara, CA earns a median $114,497/year (≈ $55.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Santa Clara's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $101,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 34.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clara, California, surgical technologists can expect to earn a median annual salary of $114,497, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. With salaries ranging from $78,696 at the 10th percentile to $170,474 at the 90th percentile, the financial incentives for those in this field are considerable. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, reflect not only the value of surgical technologists in operating rooms but also the premium associated with specialized roles, such as those focusing on cardiovascular and neuro surgeries. This growing sector demands qualified professionals, and Santa Clara's job market is well-suited to support their career ambitions.
About the Santa Clara Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,696 | $37.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,565 | $47.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,497 | $55.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,397 | $67.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,474 | $81.96 |
Median Salary Position
68.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Clara
In Santa Clara, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,778 (2026 est.). At $114,497, the local median is 68.03% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Clara: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Clara Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Santa Clara median: $114,497/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Clara Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,065 | +34.60% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +68.03% more |
Surgical Technologists in Santa Clara, CA earn a median of $114,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 68.03% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 34.60% above the California state average of $85,065.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Clara has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Clara, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,497 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,235 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,158
2025 BLS Actual
$108,631
2026 Current Est.
$114,497
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Santa Clara (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,158 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,527 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,545 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,029 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,680 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Clara metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $81,158 (2019) to $108,631 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,680 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,522 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clara 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) | $78,696 – $98,565 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,565 – $114,497 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,497 – $140,397 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,397 – $170,474 |
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 Santa Clara
The employment outlook for surgical technologists in Santa Clara reveals the presence of 32 individuals currently practicing in this role, indicating a steadfast demand despite the competitive nature of the healthcare industry. The cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, which slightly elevates everyday expenses relative to the national average, necessitating higher salaries for effective purchasing power. Institutions such as specialty surgical centers for orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, alongside VA surgical units, are among the top-paying employers within this niche. Factors influencing pay disparity include specialty certifications, particularly in robotic surgery and trauma center designations, which can lead to premium salaries. For aspiring surgical technologists aiming for the highest pay, strategies like targeting specialized areas of surgery, pursuing additional certifications, and gaining experience in high-demand settings are essential for maximizing their earning potential.
More salary data for Santa Clara, 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 $108,631 for surgical technologistsin the Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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