HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Surgical Technologist Salary
in Chula Vista, CA

Assist surgeons during operations by preparing and passing instruments and supplies. Median salary in Chula Vista: $80K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$80K
per year
Take-home: $49K

Salary range in Chula Vista

Entry level (25th)$62,000
Median (50th)$80,000
Senior (75th)$99,000
Top earner (90th)$124,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Chula Vista, California. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Chula Vista

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

38% premium vs national median

Surgical Technologists in Chula Vista earn approximately 38% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $22,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Chula Vista's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

9.3% state tax = $7,440/yr

California's 9.3% state income tax reduces take-home by roughly $7,440 per year at the median salary. A Surgical Technologist relocating to a no-tax state like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee would retain that amount without changing gross pay.

Rent eats 52% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Chula Vista ($2,100/mo) consumes approximately 52% of an after-tax median Surgical Technologist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($99K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Chula Vista

Median salary
$80K
annual
Take-home pay
$49K
after fed/state tax
COL index
138
100 = US avg
State income tax
9.3%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$2,100
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chula Vista Surgical Technologist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $80K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Chula Vista

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Surgical Technologist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$67K$73K$79K$85K$91K201920212023202520272029
2026
$82K
projected
2027
$84K
projected
2028
$86K
projected
2029
$88K
projected
2030
$91K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$80,000+$0
2028 projected$80,000+$0
2029 projected$80,000+$0
2030 projected$80,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Surgical Technologist Salary in Chula Vista, California: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Surgical Technologist salary in Chula Vista, CA is $80,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chula Vista–CA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Surgical Technologist in Chula Vista

Entry-level Surgical Technologists in Chula Vista with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $62,000 and $80,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $80,000 to $99,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $99,000 to $124,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chula Vista for Surgical Technologists

Chula Vista has a cost of living index of 138 compared to the US national average of 100. Chula Vista's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Surgical Technologist

Associate's in Surgical Technology; CST certification. 2% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Surgical Technologist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chula Vista (current)$80K138
Los Angeles$73K163
San Diego$71K148
San Jose$78K210
San Francisco$81K224
Fresno$57K102