Becoming a surgical tech is a great choice for people interested in healthcare. Surgical techs have rewarding careers, good job security, and decent salaries.
So what is the typical surgical tech salary in California?
The average salary for surgical techs in California was $76,170 per year or $36.62 per hour in 2023.
Average salaries vary greatly based on location, ranging from $62,360 (in the Visalia-Porterville area) and $95,800 (in the Bay Area).
This guide goes over how much surgical technologists in California earn, how surgical tech jobs compare to other jobs in California, and how to earn more.
Surgical Tech Salary in California Overview
Salaries for surgical techs in California are higher than the national average.
Across the United States, the average salary for a surgical technologist is $60,370 per year or $29.03 per hour.
Surgical techs in California earn an average of $76,170 per year or $36.62 per hour.
Surgical Tech Salaries in California Cities
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs in California
Becoming a surgical technologist means you will enjoy a decent salary and great job security in the future. As of May 2024, there are about 11,100 surgical technologists working in California, and that number is expected to rise.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that surgical technologist job opportunities will increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032, with 7,000 surgical tech positions expected to open up across the United States.
In California, many hospitals and other healthcare facilities are offering large sign-on bonuses to new surgical technologists in order to meet the demand for good employees. Experienced surgical techs can find sign-on bonuses up to $20,000.
Surgical Tech Salary vs. Other Occupations in California
Here is how the average surgical tech salary in California stacks up to salaries of other similar occupations in the state:
- Surgical Tech: $76,170 ($36.63)
- Medical Assistant: $50,900 ($24.47)
- Phlebotomist: $52,370 ($25.18)
- Dental Assistant: $52,470 ($25.23)
- Pharmacy Technician: $55,710 ($26.79)
- Emergency Medical Technicians: $52,100 ($25.05)
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $76,580 ($36.82)
- Nursing Assistant: $47,070 ($22.63)
Surgical Tech Salaries in California vs. Other States
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Better Surgical Tech Salary in California
Even though surgical techs in California earn more than the national average, the rising cost of living means that you’ll want to maximize your salary. The following strategies can help you improve your chances of getting a better surgical tech salary in California:
- Specialize. Surgical techs who specialize can often earn more than those who work in physicians' offices or with general surgeons. High-paying specialty areas may require extra training, years of experience, or even additional certifications.
- Earn more certifications. Surgical techs in California are not required to earn a certification. However, passing the TS-C or CST exam and becoming a certified surgical tech can help you earn a higher salary. Most employers are willing to pay significantly more for a surgical tech who has passed their certification exam.
- Learn about new technologies. Staying up-to-date on the latest advances in technology makes you a more valuable member of the healthcare team. Managers and surgeons will notice employees who are committed to continued learning and improving patient outcomes. Helping the team by learning about new technologies will make it easier to justify asking for a raise.
- Become a leader or educator. After getting some experience working at the bedside or in the operating room, you may be able to secure a position as a leader or educator in your facility. You will be able to ask for a higher salary as either a manager of a team of surgical technicians or an educator for new employees. You may even consider taking a job as an educator in a surgical technician training program.
- Commute to a higher-paying city. Some areas in California pay better than others. It may be worth it to take a job in a higher-paying area if you have a reliable means of transportation and are willing to spend some time commuting to work each day.
- Take travel contracts. You do not have to live out of state to become a traveling surgical tech. Travel surgical techs often earn a much higher salary than permanent staff.
