Surgical Technologist Salary in Valdosta, GA: $48,916 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Valdosta, GA earns a median $48,916/year (≈ $23.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Valdosta's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $55,416 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.5% below the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Valdosta, Georgia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $48,916. This salary sits significantly below the national median of $68,141, reflecting a competitive local market where compensation ranges from $38,345 at the 10th percentile to $58,318 at the 90th percentile. Such data, sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected forward, highlights the impact of evolving surgical practices; those with robotic surgery certification may find their skills highly valued, allowing them to command higher wages. As the healthcare industry adapts to advanced surgical techniques, opportunities for surgical technologists are expected to continue growing, presenting a vital path for career development in Valdosta.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,345 | $18.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,127 | $19.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,916 | $23.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,318 | $28.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,318 | $28.04 |
Median Salary Position
28.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valdosta
In Valdosta, GA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,973 (2026 est.). At $48,916, the local median is 28.21% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Valdosta: You'd be above the median
How Valdosta Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Valdosta median: $48,916/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valdosta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,118 | -22.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -28.21% less |
Surgical Technologists in Valdosta, GA earn a median of $48,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.21% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 22.50% below the Georgia state average of $63,118.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valdosta has a cost of living 11.73% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Valdosta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 88.271 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $48,916 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,416 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,560
2025 BLS Actual
$46,410
2026 Current Est.
$48,916
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Valdosta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,916 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,558 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valdosta metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 17.3% from $39,560 (2019) to $46,410 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,558 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,998 (30.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valdosta 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) | $38,345 – $41,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,127 – $48,916 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,916 – $58,318 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,318 – $58,318 |
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 Valdosta
Valdosta's labor market features approximately 40 surgical technologists, providing a local job pool that reflects steady employment opportunities. However, the cost of living in Valdosta, with an index of 88.271, suggests that take-home pay for surgical technologists stretches further compared to many other regions. Among the various healthcare employers, hospital operating rooms and military surgical units typically offer some of the highest salaries, driven by their need for specialized skills and competencies in diverse surgical settings. The salary spread within the market can be attributed to factors such as specialty certifications, particularly in areas like cardiac or neurosurgery, call coverage requirements, and the added premiums associated with roles like surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their compensation, pursuing certification in robotic surgery and considering travel or contract positions may enhance their earning potential significantly in this evolving healthcare landscape in Valdosta, GA.
More salary data for Valdosta, 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 $46,410 for surgical technologistsin the Valdosta 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, 6-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