Augusta vs Rome: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Augusta, GA and Rome, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Rome, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,556▲ | $53,649 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.56▲ | $25.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,273▲ | $38,524 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,083▲ | $45,891 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,067▲ | $70,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,552 | $85,690▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rome.
The salary gap between Augusta and Rome is $9,907 (18.47%). Augusta's median is -6.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $36,279,Rome spans $47,166. Rome has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Augusta ($69,156 effective) pays 16.22% more than Rome ($59,504 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,556/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,156)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Rome if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,690)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Augusta grew 51.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Rome over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$39,850 (2019) → $60,300 (2025)
Rome, GA
$46,370 (2019) → $50,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Augusta or Rome?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Rome?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Rome as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Augusta vs Rome?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov