Surgical Technologist Salary in Turlock, CA: $83,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Turlock, CA earns a median $83,211/year (≈ $40.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Turlock's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $73,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Turlock, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $83,211, significantly higher than the national median of $68,141. The salary range spans from $61,052 at the 10th percentile to $127,787 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for lucrative earnings within this profession. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026 and adjusted for local economic conditions, reflect a growing demand for skilled surgical technologists. With advancements in surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, certifications in these areas further enhance earning potential, making Turlock's job market promising for qualified candidates looking to enter or advance their careers in this field.
About the Turlock Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,052 | $29.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,275 | $34.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,211 | $40.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,015 | $50.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,787 | $61.44 |
Median Salary Position
22.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Turlock
In Turlock, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,735 (2026 est.). At $83,211, the local median is 22.12% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Turlock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Turlock Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Turlock median: $83,211/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Turlock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,083 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +22.12% more |
Surgical Technologists in Turlock, CA earn a median of $83,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.12% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 2.20% below the California state average of $85,083.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Turlock has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Turlock, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $83,211 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,573 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,982
2025 BLS Actual
$78,948
2026 Current Est.
$83,211
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Turlock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,704 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,015 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,948 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,705 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Turlock metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $58,982 (2019) to $78,948 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,705 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,723 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Turlock 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) | $61,052 – $71,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,275 – $83,211 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,211 – $105,015 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,015 – $127,787 |
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 Turlock
In Turlock, the thriving job market for surgical technologists is underscored by the presence of 17 professionals currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index at 113.1 signals that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power is impacted by living expenses. Among the various employers, hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, especially for positions involving specialized surgical procedures, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Key factors contributing to the salary spread include specialty certifications, on-call responsibilities, and the role of surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Turlock, pursuing additional certifications like robotic surgery could be advantageous. Additionally, considering travel surgical tech opportunities might yield higher compensation rates while enhancing skill sets.
More salary data for Turlock, 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 $78,948 for surgical technologistsin the Turlock 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 Turlock 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