Surgical Technologist Salary in Cartersville, GA: $60,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cartersville, GA earns a median $60,157/year (≈ $28.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cartersville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $64,615 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Cartersville, Georgia, can expect a median annual salary of $60,157, a figure that reflects a competitive position within the market, despite being approximately 11.72% lower than the national median of $68,141. The salary range for these professionals in the area spans from $44,514 at the 10th percentile to $82,153 at the 90th percentile, indicating a solid spectrum of earning potential. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price levels, highlight that various employment settings, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), and specialty surgical centers, influence compensation. Cartersville's healthcare infrastructure, featuring both general and specialized surgical environments, emphasizes the importance of proficiency and certifications, potentially impacting job opportunities and salary prospects for surgical technologists.
About the Cartersville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,514 | $21.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,323 | $24.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,157 | $28.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,573 | $33.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,153 | $39.49 |
Median Salary Position
11.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cartersville
In Cartersville, GA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,639 (2026 est.). At $60,157, the local median is 11.72% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cartersville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cartersville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cartersville median: $60,157/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cartersville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,124 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.72% less |
Surgical Technologists in Cartersville, GA earn a median of $60,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.72% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $63,124.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cartersville has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cartersville, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,157 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,615 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,641
2025 BLS Actual
$57,075
2026 Current Est.
$60,157
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cartersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,641 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,886 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,844 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,887 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,075 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cartersville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,641 (2019) to $57,075 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,765 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cartersville 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) | $44,514 – $51,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,323 – $60,157 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,157 – $70,573 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,573 – $82,153 |
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 Cartersville
Analyzing the local market reveals that only four surgical technologists are currently employed in Cartersville, indicating a smaller field with unique opportunities for professionals in this role. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.1, suggesting that while salaries may lag behind national averages, the affordability of living in Cartersville offers a reasonable purchasing power for those in the profession. Employers such as hospitals generally pay higher, especially for specialty surgical units in fields like cardiothoracic or orthopedic surgery. Factors driving salary variability include the complexity of the procedures, the demand for certifications in robotic surgery, and the operational needs of facilities. Surgical technologists aiming to maximize their pay in Cartersville should consider obtaining advanced certifications, seeking positions in high-demand specialties, and exploring travel opportunities, which often offer premiums for short-term assignments.
More salary data for Cartersville, GA:
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 $57,075 for surgical technologistsin the Cartersville 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 Cartersville 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