Surgical Technologist Salary in Opelika, AL: $50,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Opelika, AL earns a median $50,045/year (≈ $24.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $56,934 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Opelika, Alabama, can anticipate a median annual salary of $50,045, reflecting a significant regional variance compared to the national median of $68,141. The projected salary range for this occupation is wide, stretching from $38,508 at the 10th percentile to as high as $73,546 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost considerations, highlight the potential for surgical technologists to significantly enhance their earnings, particularly in specialized areas like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where the premium for expertise can add considerable value. As the local healthcare market evolves, there may be increased opportunities for those who hold additional certifications or specialize in high-demand surgical fields.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,508 | $18.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,007 | $21.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,045 | $24.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,594 | $29.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,546 | $35.36 |
Median Salary Position
26.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,038 (2026 est.). At $50,045, the local median is 26.56% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Opelika median: $50,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,806 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -26.56% less |
Surgical Technologists in Opelika, AL earn a median of $50,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.56% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $51,806.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $50,045 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,934 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,473
2025 BLS Actual
$47,481
2026 Current Est.
$50,045
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,473 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,509 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,514 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,481 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,747 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $35,473 (2019) to $47,481 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,747 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,274 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,508 – $44,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,007 – $50,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,045 – $61,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,594 – $73,546 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Opelika
Currently, there are seven employed surgical technologists in Opelika, AL, which contributes to a competitive but limited job market. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, salaries here may offer an attractive purchasing power relative to expenses in the area. Local employers vary in pay rates, with hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers generally offering the highest compensation. The broad salary range reflects various factors, including specialty skills, on-call requirements, and potential stipends for advanced certifications, such as robotic surgery. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist salary in Opelika, focusing on obtaining CST credentials, exploring specialties like orthopedic or cardiothoracic surgery, and considering travel surgical tech positions can be effective strategies to elevate earning potential in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,481 for surgical technologistsin the Opelika metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov