Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $133,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Long Beach, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $133,720/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Long Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $118,232 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, the potential for senior surgical technologists to earn a substantial salary is promising, with 2026 projections indicating that top earners can command up to $133,720 annually. Compared to national top earners, this amount significantly exceeds the 2026 national estimate of $68,141. The difference between the median salary of $86,271 and the highest earnings reflects a substantial experience premium. Attaining such high levels of compensation typically requires over seven years of hands-on surgical experience, proficiency in advanced techniques, and potentially holding certifications that are in high demand, such as those for robotic surgery.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Long Beach earn between $110,427 and $133,720 per year (2026 est.). This $77,885 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Long Beach median of $86,271 sits 26.61% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Long Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $86,271 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,427 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $133,720 | $102,175 |
In Long Beach, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Long Beach
Advanced Certifications in California
CA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $86,271 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Long Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Long Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $110,427–$133,720 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLong Beach ranks #19 of 157 California cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $133,720).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Long Beach ($133,720) is 13.52% above the California average P90 ($117,792).
2019 BLS Actual
$93,444
2025 BLS Actual
$126,869
2026 Current Est.
$133,720
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,682 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,822 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,874 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,869 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,941 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Long Beach saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $93,444 in 2019 to $126,869 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 $140,941 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Specialization plays a crucial role in determining compensation for experienced surgical technologists in Long Beach. Fields like cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery offer some of the highest pay, typically outpacing general surgical roles. Furthermore, how compensation varies among different types of employers can significantly affect salary levels. Creating opportunities for advancement within hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty surgical facilities is vital. Positions like lead surgical tech, OR supervisor, or surgical first assistant can provide not only salary increases but also professional growth. Holding advanced credentials, such as a CST certification from NBSTSA or becoming da Vinci certified, can enhance employability and open doors to higher-paying positions. Additionally, factors like specialty areas, call coverage, and travel opportunities contribute to the overall compensation package, making strategic career moves imperative for maximizing senior surgical technologist pay in CA.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Long Beach in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Long Beach?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Long Beach?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Long Beach?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Long Beach?
Related Pages
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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 $126,869 for surgical technologists in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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