Columbus vs Stockbridge: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbus, GA and Stockbridge, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Stockbridge, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,311 | $62,479▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.48 | $30.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,171 | $45,213▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,057 | $55,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,904 | $74,942▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,676 | $88,843▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Stockbridge, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Stockbridge is $1,168 (1.91%). Stockbridge's median is -8.31% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $24,505,Stockbridge spans $43,630. Stockbridge 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, Columbus ($68,660 effective) pays 2.31% more than Stockbridge ($67,110 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,660)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Stockbridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,479/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,843)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbus grew 47.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Stockbridge over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$39,440 (2019) → $58,170 (2025)
Stockbridge, GA
$49,735 (2024) → $59,278 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Stockbridge, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbus or Stockbridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Stockbridge?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Stockbridge as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbus vs Stockbridge?
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