Surgical Technologist Salary in Temecula, CA: $86,996 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Temecula, CA earns a median $86,996/year (≈ $41.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Temecula's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $76,920 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Temecula, California, are projected to earn a median salary of $86,996, reflecting a substantial 27.67% increase compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, spanning from $59,182 at the 10th percentile to $128,732 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price levels, providing a valuable context for understanding local compensation trends. With a combination of hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, Temecula features a variety of employment settings that influence surgical technologist pay.
About the Temecula Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,182 | $28.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,427 | $35.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,996 | $41.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,203 | $51.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,732 | $61.89 |
Median Salary Position
27.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temecula
In Temecula, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,550 (2026 est.). At $86,996, the local median is 27.67% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temecula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temecula Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Temecula median: $86,996/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temecula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,123 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +27.67% more |
Surgical Technologists in Temecula, CA earn a median of $86,996 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.67% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.20% above the California state average of $85,123.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temecula has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Temecula, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,996 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,920 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,665
2025 BLS Actual
$82,539
2026 Current Est.
$86,996
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,465 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,444 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,194 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,539 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,996 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,694 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temecula metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $61,665 (2019) to $82,539 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,694 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,029 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temecula 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) | $59,182 – $74,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,427 – $86,996 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,996 – $106,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,203 – $128,732 |
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 Temecula
Analyzing the local market reveals that Temecula employs 25 surgical technologists and has a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which suggests that take-home pay may be impacted by housing and other living expenses. Among local employers, hospitals generally offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for roles that involve specialized skills such as robotic surgery or those requiring certification as a surgical first assistant. The spread between lower and higher salaries is driven by various factors, including specialty focus— with cardiovascular and neurosurgery typically commanding the highest rates. To maximize earnings in Temecula, aspiring surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and focusing on high-demand specialties that include call coverage opportunities or positions at trauma centers. Engaging with local networks such as the AST can also provide valuable insights into job opportunities and salary negotiations.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Temecula, CA in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Temecula?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Temecula?
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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 $82,539 for surgical technologistsin the Temecula 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 Temecula 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