Surgical Technologists Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a surgical technologists in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $103,190/year ($49.61/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $75K at the entry level to $129K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $93,452 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 54.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $103K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About surgical technologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level surgical technologists (10th percentile) start around $75K. Mid-career wages sit at $103K.Top earners bring in $129K or more - a $54K spread from bottom to top.
Surgical Technologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $81K | +29% | 10,570 |
| Connecticut | $81K | +28% | 1,220 |
| Oregon | $79K | +26% | 1,190 |
| Alaska | $79K | +26% | 290 |
| Massachusetts | $78K | +25% | 2,240 |
| Minnesota | $78K | +24% | 1,640 |
| Nevada | $77K | +22% | 1,120 |
| Hawaii | $76K | +21% | 350 |
| New York | $75K | +20% | 5,910 |
| Washington | $73K | +17% | 2,380 |
| New Jersey | $71K | +14% | 2,720 |
| Rhode Island | $68K | +9% | 210 |
| Arizona | $68K | +7% | 2,220 |
| New Hampshire | $67K | +7% | 400 |
| Maryland | $67K | +6% | 2,130 |
Track surgical technologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do surgical technologists make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $103,190 a year - that works out to about $49.61 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $74,850, and experienced surgical technologists can clear $129,320. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $103K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,271/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a surgical technologists salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median surgical technologists salary is worth about $93,452 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do surgical technologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.