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Surgical Technologist in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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California employs 11,920 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $81,310 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in California (May 2025)

California median pay: $81,310 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $49,140
Experienced (75th percentile): $99,260
Top earners (90th percentile): $115,740
Employed in California: 11,920
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major California markets:

San Jose / Silicon Valley: $106,840 (700 employed)
San Francisco Bay Area: $99,390 (1,440 employed)
San Diego: $82,260 (1,110 employed)
Los Angeles: $81,580 (3,440 employed)
Riverside–San Bernardino: $77,490 (1,190 employed)
Sacramento: $65,980 (1,020 employed)
Fresno: $64,380 (520 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in California

Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,310 median is worth closer to $73,451 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)

California is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +11.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 840 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

California License and Certification Requirements

CST (NBSTSA) certification — required by health facilities and for the 'certified' title — regulated by the No state license — title protection law + employer certification requirements.

California doesn't license surgical techs, but state law restricts the 'certified surgical technologist' title to graduates of accredited programs holding national certification, and health facilities must verify accredited training before hiring.
Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months with clinical externship).
Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA) — the credential California hospitals expect.

Official requirements: No state license — title protection law + employer certification requirements →

Training in California

California's large hospital systems (Kaiser, Sutter, UC medical centers, Cedars-Sinai) hire continuously, and Kaiser's union contracts make California surgical tech pay the best in the nation. Community college programs (e.g., Southwestern, Skyline) cost far less than private schools.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in California include:

ATI College-Whittier — Certificate
Allan Hancock College — Certificate / Associate
American Career College-Anaheim — Associate
American Career College-Los Angeles — Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in California

Real California surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Channel Islands Surgicenter — Oxnard
Ontario Advanced Surgery Center — Ontario
Millennium Surgery Center, Inc — Bakersfield
Plaza Surgery Center — Santa Maria
Bay Area Surgical Specialist Services LLC — Walnut Creek
Truxtun Surgery Center, Inc — Bakersfield

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.

Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.

Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.

First Steps

Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do surgical technologists make in California?

The median wage for surgical technologists in California is $81,310 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,140, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $115,740. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in California?

CST (NBSTSA) certification — required by health facilities and for the 'certified' title, overseen by the No state license — title protection law + employer certification requirements. California doesn't license surgical techs, but state law restricts the 'certified surgical technologist' title to graduates of accredited programs holding national certification, and health facilities must verify accredited training before hiring.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in California?

Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.

Which California metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among California metro areas, San Jose / Silicon Valley leads at $106,840, followed by San Francisco Bay Area ($99,390), San Diego ($82,260). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in California?

Real California options include ATI College-Whittier, Allan Hancock College, American Career College-Anaheim. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in California?

California projects surgical technologists employment to change +11.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 840 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No state license — title protection law + employer certification requirements (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET California wages · California licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.