Best Surgical Tech Programs in Oakland, California (2026)

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: Surgical technologists in California earn a median of $81,310 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists accredited surgical technologist schools near Oakland, California with local wage data and median graduate earnings for each school.

Surgical technologist training in Oakland, California prepares students for entry-level work across the wider California labor market. For context, the state median annual wage for this occupation is approximately $81,310 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Oakland Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$81,310BLS OEWS, May 2025
California pay range (10th to 90th percentile)$49,140 to $115,740BLS OEWS, May 2025
San Francisco, CA metro median wage$99,390BLS OEWS, May 2025
National job outlook (2024 to 2034)+4.5% growth, about 7,000 openings per yearBLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
State employment11,920 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
Alameda County establishments20BLS QCEW, 2024
Alameda County industry employment12,800BLS QCEW, 2024
Alameda County unemployment rate4.5%BLS LAUS, 2024
California location quotient0.87BLS OEWS, May 2025

Nearby Cities

Explore the Surgical technologist Career

What You’ll Find Below

The school listings below are sorted by proximity to Oakland. Each entry includes the school name, address, and the credentials offered. Use the Alameda County and California figures above as a reference point when comparing program length, schedule, and tuition.

Surgical Tech Training near Oakland

#1

Mt. Diablo Adult Education-Mt. Diablo USD

Concord, CA 16.3 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • Loma Vista Adult Center - 1266 San Carlos Avenue. Concord, CA 94518-1199
  • (925) 685-7340
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 75.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 6
  • Annual completions: 163
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $53,556 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#2

Skyline College

San Bruno, CA 17.5 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 42.8% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 35
  • Annual completions: 566
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $59,341 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Las Positas College

Livermore, CA 23.5 miles away
Tuition $1,168 - $14,810
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 47.5%
  • Programs offered: 40
  • Annual completions: 286
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $52,625 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

Contra Costa Medical Career College

Antioch, CA 26.1 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 98.1% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 15
  • Annual completions: 1217
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $76,649 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Carrington College-San Jose

San Jose, CA 44.5 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 57.9% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 11
  • Annual completions: 504
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing: $47,661 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

Surgical Tech Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $64,650 $31.08 per hour
Job Outlook 4.5% 5,200 jobs (2024–2034)
7,000 openings/yr
Data Year: 2025 SOC: 29-2055 Source: BLS OEWS

Certification & Clinicals in California

  1. Complete an accredited surgical technology certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
  2. Finish your clinical rotations and master sterile technique and instrumentation.
  3. Prepare for credentials like the NBSTSA CST or NCCT TS-C, based on employer preference.

Tips for Choosing a Surgical Tech Program

  • Look for accreditation recognized by CAAHEP or ABHES when applicable.
  • Ask about lab time on instrument sets and simulation equipment.
  • Compare evening, weekend, and accelerated schedules that fit your life.
  • Review clinical placement support and certification exam pass rates. Individual outcomes may vary.

Surgical-Tech Salary in U.S.

Median Salary $64,650 $31.08/hr
Average Salary $68,710 $33.03/hr

Salary Range

$45,940 10th pctl
$64,650 Median
$96,940 90th pctl
10th Percentile $45,940 $22.09/hr
25th Percentile $54,690 $26.29/hr
75th Percentile $79,750 $38.34/hr
90th Percentile $96,940 $46.61/hr

Employment & Outlook

Total Employed117,460
Growth (2024-2034)4.5%
Annual Openings7,000
Jobs per 1,0000.8

Surgical Technologists (29-2055) • BLS OEWS, May 2025 • bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.