Becoming a surgical tech is a great career choice for many people. Surgical techs spend their days in the operating room, learning and performing meaningful work each day.
They earn a decent salary and have great job security, and you can earn a surgical tech certification by taking an exam after as little as four months of classes.
Surgical techs are in demand all over the country, meaning that they can usually find a job anywhere that they would like to settle down. Bigger cities like Sacramento usually pay more than smaller, more rural areas.
So what is the typical surgical tech salary in Sacramento?
The median salary for a surgical tech in Sacramento is $39.44 per hour or $82,030 per year.
If you’re interested in becoming a surgical tech in Sacramento, check out our 4-Month Sacramento Surgical Tech Program. It includes online classes and support in finding in-person clinicals in Sacramento.
The rest of this guide will go over the average salary and job outlook for a surgical tech in Sacramento and how to maximize your salary if you choose to work as a surgical technologist.
Surgical Tech Salary in Sacramento Overview
Surgical techs in Sacramento earn quite a bit more than those living in other areas. The median salary for a surgical technologist in the United States is $60,370 per year or $29.03 per hour.
The median surgical techs in Sacramento earn $82,030 per year or $39.44 per hour, which is more than a 30% increase.
How Sacramento Surgical Tech Salaries Compare to Other California Cities
Healthcare facilities in Sacramento pay their surgical techs well, even compared to other large cities in California. Surrounding cities vary widely in their average pay. Average salaries of surgical techs in California include:
- Sacramento: $82,030
- Bakersfield: $66,900
- Fresno: $77,270
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim: $68,150
- Modesto: $81,120
- Napa: $83,980
- Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura: $77,930
- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario: $64,120
- Salinas: $74,780
- San Diego-Carlsbad: $81,360
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward: $97,430
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara: $98,780
- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande: $66,340
- Santa Cruz-Watsonville: $82,470
- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara: $75,340
- Santa Rosa: $80,430
- Stockton-Lodi: $79,540
- Vallejo-Fairfield: $90,800
- Visalia-Porterville: $61,240
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs in Sacramento
According to the BLS, there were 590 surgical techs working in Sacramento in 2023, more than many other California cities.
Both Indeed and ZipRecruiter regularly have many job posts for surgical techs in Sacramento.
The job outlook in Sacramento is similar to the national average for surgical techs. Job opportunities for surgical techs are expected to increase by 5% between 2022 and 2032, which is higher than the national average for other careers.
Surgical Tech Salary in Sacramento vs. Other Occupations
Here is a look at how surgical tech salaries stack up to other medical occupations with similar education requirements:
- Surgical Technologists: $82,030
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $59,980
- Emergency Medical Technicians: $45,940
- Pharmacy Technicians: $54,730
- Medical Records Specialists: $64,410
- Nursing Assistants: $45,190
- Physical Therapist Assistants: $88,690
- Physical Therapist Aides: $35,060
- Medical Assistants: $59,520
- Medical Transcriptionists: $39,200
- Phlebotomists: $48,210
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Better Surgical Tech Salary in Sacramento
Even though the base salary for surgical techs in Sacramento is relatively high, there are still other ways to maximize your income as a surgical tech. Some ways to improve your chances of getting a better surgical tech salary include:
Specialize
Working in a specialty area is a great way to increase your salary. Surgical techs who specialize in high-risk surgical areas can earn more than those who assist with general surgeries.
Most specialty areas require surgical techs to have some experience before applying. Specialty areas to choose from include pediatrics, cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics, and neurovascular surgery.
Get More Certifications
Surgical tech certifications show that you are committed to being a great surgical tech, are knowledgeable about your career, and have the skills to do a great job.
Most healthcare organizations value continuing education and extra certifications and will increase salaries for employees who are willing to work for them.
You may choose to earn your TS-C or CST, which are required in some states. In addition, you can become CPR-certified, earn a medical billing or coding certification, or complete training in infection control.
Work the Undesirable Shifts
If you want to earn more money as a surgical tech, sign up to work the least desirable shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
While not all surgical centers schedule procedures during these times, you may have the opportunity to be “on call”, meaning that you will come to work in case of an emergency. Most organizations pay employees time and a half or even double time to come in on call.
Become a First Assistant
A first assistant is a person who typically stands right next to the surgeon and assists them by handing up surgical instruments, ensuring that everyone in the area remains sterile, and holding suction and body tissues in place while the surgeon works.
Most first assistants work in more basic surgical tech roles for at least a year or two before being promoted.
Stay on Top of Industry News & Advancements
If you are already working as a surgical tech, you can impress your boss and coworkers by staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and research in medicine.
Both the patient and the healthcare team benefit from having someone who keeps them informed of the best ways to do their job. Passing along ideas or suggesting changes to improve patient outcomes is a sure way to make yourself eligible for a higher wage.
Ask Your Manager About Opportunities for Advancement
Managers usually appreciate someone who takes initiative and wants to improve. If you are hoping for a pay raise, you might have to take on more responsibilities on the job.
Talk to your manager about taking on extra responsibilities like training new employees or being in charge of a quality improvement project.
