Surgical technologists in California make on average between approximately $30.05 to $46.44 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from about $62,000 to nearly $100,000 depending on the source and specific location within the state.
Average Hourly and Annual Salaries
- One source cites the average wage as approximately $30.05 per hour based on data from 2025, which is about 14% lower than the U.S. average hourly wage for surgical techs.
- Another source reports a higher average hourly rate of $36.62 and an annual salary around $76,170 for surgical techs in California in 2023, noting variation by city.
- ZipRecruiter data from mid-2025 shows an even higher average hourly pay at about $46.44 per hour, translating to an average annual salary of $96,598. This data also highlights that the salary range varies widely, with top earners making over $130,000 per year in some locations.
- Certified surgical technicians in California can earn on average about $42.77 an hour, indicating certification can influence pay.
Location Impact
- Salaries can vary significantly by city, with places like Cupertino and Berkeley offering some of the highest wages for surgical techs in California, often above $115,000 annually.
These differences reflect factors such as experience, certifications, specific work settings, and geographic location within California. In summary, the earnings for surgical techs in California generally range from about $30 to above $46 per hour, with annual salaries typically between approximately $62,000 and $100,000+, depending on various factors.
