Surgical Technologist Salary in Athens, GA: $67,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Athens, GA earns a median $67,403/year (≈ $32.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Athens's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.3), that paycheck buys what $72,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Athens, Georgia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $67,403, which is slightly below the national median of $68,141. The salary range typically spans from $49,064 at the 10th percentile to $82,233 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varied experience and specialization levels within this profession. It's noteworthy that those focusing on cardiovascular or neurosurgery specialties command the highest premiums, significantly bolstering their earning potential. This data, derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and projected into 2026, shows that local salaries are competitive, particularly given the robust healthcare job market in Athens.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,064 | $23.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,795 | $29.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,403 | $32.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,589 | $38.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,233 | $39.54 |
Median Salary Position
1.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, GA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,169 (2026 est.). At $67,403, the local median is 1.08% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be above the median
How Athens Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Athens median: $67,403/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,171 | +6.70% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -1.08% less |
Surgical Technologists in Athens, GA earn a median of $67,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.08% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.70% above the Georgia state average of $63,171.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 6.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.343 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $67,403 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,210 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.13% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,190
2025 BLS Actual
$63,950
2026 Current Est.
$67,403
2019–2027 Growth
+50.5%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,043 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 35.5% from $47,190 (2019) to $63,950 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,043 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,853 (50.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $49,064 – $60,795 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,795 – $67,403 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,403 – $80,589 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,589 – $82,233 |
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 Athens
The job market for surgical technologists in Athens is solid, with approximately 140 professionals employed in the area. However, the cost of living index being at 93.343 indicates that the purchasing power for residents may be more favorable than in other regions. Major employers, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers such as those focused on orthopedics and cardiothoracic procedures, typically offer the highest salaries. Variations in pay are largely driven by the type of surgical procedures performed; for instance, those with certifications in robotic surgery or who take on first assistant roles may see increased compensation. To maximize earnings in Athens, pursuing advanced certifications like the CSFA and maintaining a willingness to work in high-demand specialties can significantly enhance take-home pay and career advancement in surgical technology.
More salary data for Athens, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Athens?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Athens?
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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 $63,950 for surgical technologistsin the Athens 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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