Surgical Technologist Salary in Florence, KY: $60,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Florence, KY earns a median $60,296/year (≈ $28.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Florence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $67,521 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For surgical technologists in Florence, Kentucky, specializing in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can significantly enhance earning potential. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $60,296, with salaries ranging from $44,056 at the 10th percentile to $85,936 at the 90th percentile. This reflects the local job market influenced by BLS state-level data and regional price parities. Compared to the national median of $68,141, the surgical technologist salary in Florence falls short by 11.51%, highlighting the need for prospective technologists to weigh their specialty choices carefully. As Florence develops its healthcare sector, individuals in this field can seize opportunities that not only offer competitive salaries but also pave the way for advanced qualifications and specialized roles.
About the Florence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,056 | $21.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,247 | $24.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,296 | $28.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,442 | $34.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,936 | $41.32 |
Median Salary Position
11.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Florence
In Florence, KY, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,880 (2026 est.). At $60,296, the local median is 11.51% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Florence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Florence Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Florence median: $60,296/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Florence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $60,844 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.51% less |
Surgical Technologists in Florence, KY earn a median of $60,296 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.51% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% below the Kentucky state average of $60,844.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Florence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Florence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,296 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,521 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,739
2025 BLS Actual
$57,207
2026 Current Est.
$60,296
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,943 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,517 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,632 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,207 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,552 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Florence metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,739 (2019) to $57,207 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,552 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,813 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence 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) | $44,056 – $51,247 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,247 – $60,296 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,296 – $72,442 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,442 – $85,936 |
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 Florence
Employers in Florence offer varying levels of compensation for surgical technologists, with only seven individuals currently employed in this role in the area. The cost of living index stands at 89.3, indicating that wages here offer a reasonable standard of living compared to other regions. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, tend to pay the highest. The disparity in salaries can be driven by several factors, including the demand for specialized skills such as robotic surgery certification, call coverage requirements, and the complexity of cases handled. To maximize pay, surgical technologists should consider pursuing additional certifications like the CSFA, which can open doors to higher-paying positions. Engaging in roles that provide premium compensation—like travel surgical technician assignments or working in trauma centers—can also significantly increase take-home pay in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Florence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Florence?
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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 $57,207 for surgical technologistsin the Florence 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 Florence 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