Surgical Technologist Salary in Santa Cruz, CA: $105,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Santa Cruz, CA earns a median $105,537/year (≈ $50.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Santa Cruz's price level (10% above national, BEA RPP 109.9), that paycheck buys what $96,034 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 24.0% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Santa Cruz, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $105,537, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. This notable wage reflects a compelling 54.88% increase, showcasing the city’s robust healthcare environment. With salaries ranging from $68,784 at the lower end (P10) to $137,526 at the top (P90), these figures derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlight a thriving job market. The demand for surgical technologists in Santa Cruz is fueled by advancements in medical technology, including a rising trend in robotic surgery certification, which has become an asset for candidates looking to maximize their compensation. This dynamic landscape provides opportunities for those equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this specialized field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,784 | $33.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,403 | $40.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,537 | $50.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,748 | $54.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,526 | $66.12 |
Median Salary Position
54.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,742 (2026 est.). At $105,537, the local median is 54.88% above the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Santa Cruz: You'd be above the median
How Santa Cruz Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Santa Cruz median: $105,537/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Cruz Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,111 | +24.00% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +54.88% more |
Surgical Technologists in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $105,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.88% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 24.00% above the California state average of $85,111.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Cruz has a cost of living 9.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Cruz, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.896 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,537 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $96,034 — a 9% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,807
2025 BLS Actual
$100,130
2026 Current Est.
$105,537
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Santa Cruz (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,236 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Cruz metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $74,807 (2019) to $100,130 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,236 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,429 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Cruz 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) | $68,784 – $83,403 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,403 – $105,537 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,537 – $113,748 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,748 – $137,526 |
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 Cruz
The local job market for surgical technologists in Santa Cruz boasts around 80 employed professionals, indicating a healthy demand for their services. However, the cost of living in the area, reflected in a CoL index of 109.896, suggests that take-home purchasing power may be a consideration for those entering the field. Specialty surgical centers, especially those focusing on cardiovascular and neurosurgery, typically offer higher salaries, often supplementing pay through call coverage and certifications. Locations such as hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers also remain competitive in compensation strategies. To maximize earnings, it's advisable for surgical technologists to pursue advanced certifications like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) and seek roles in high-demand specialties. Understanding the nuances of the local market can provide significant leverage in negotiating better pay, thus enhancing career growth in Santa Cruz, CA.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, 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 $100,130 for surgical technologistsin the Santa Cruz 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, 5-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