Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Fairfield, CA: $131,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Fairfield, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $131,124/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Fairfield's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $115,936 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned surgical technologists in Fairfield, California, can expect a significantly rewarding career trajectory with a median annual salary of $87,732. This salary figure reflects a considerable premium compared to the national median of $68,141, highlighting the financial advantages of working in this region. The potential for top earners to reach $131,124 further emphasizes the opportunities available for experienced professionals who specialize in high-demand surgical areas. Achieving this top-tier pay often requires a combination of specialized training, significant practical experience, and advanced certifications such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. As the healthcare sector continues evolving, those who commit to continuous education and specialization are well-positioned to maximize their earnings.
About the Fairfield Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfield
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Fairfield earn between $108,079 and $131,124 per year (2026 est.). This $70,351 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fairfield median of $87,732 sits 28.75% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Fairfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $87,732 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,079 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $131,124 | $102,175 |
In Fairfield, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.46% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Fairfield
Advanced Certifications in California
CA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $87,732 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fairfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Fairfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $108,079–$131,124 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fairfield metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Fairfield with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Fairfield
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFairfield ranks #43 of 157 California cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $131,124).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Fairfield ($131,124) is 11.32% above the California average P90 ($117,792).
2019 BLS Actual
$91,630
2025 BLS Actual
$124,406
2026 Current Est.
$131,124
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,630 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,824 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,456 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,709 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,205 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Fairfield saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $91,630 in 2019 to $124,406 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $138,205 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfield 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Fairfield
Senior surgical technologists in Fairfield can significantly enhance their pay by specializing in fields that command higher wages. Areas such as cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and robotics—including da Vinci certification—are particularly lucrative. Employment settings also influence compensation, with hospital operating rooms typically providing more robust pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers. Furthermore, advancements into leadership roles like surgical first assistant or OR supervisor pave the way for greater financial rewards. Transformative trainings, including obtaining credentials from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), not only boost one's professional development but also impact salary potential. While cash compensation is a primary consideration, benefits such as call coverage, premium rates for trauma center work, and specialty surgical remuneration enhance the overall compensation package for senior surgical technologists in CA.
More salary data for Fairfield, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Fairfield in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Fairfield?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Fairfield?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Fairfield?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Fairfield?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $124,406 for surgical technologists in the Fairfield metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairfield 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