Surgical Technologist Salary in Charlotte, NC: $66,918 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Charlotte, NC earns a median $66,918/year (≈ $32.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Charlotte's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.3), that paycheck buys what $68,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The surgical technologist salary in Charlotte, NC, is projected to reach a median annual income of $66,918 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $68,141. Salary ranges for this role in the area extend from $52,278 at the 10th percentile to $85,406 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a potential for substantial earnings based on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from the official 2025 BLS OEWS data and adjusted for 2026 projections, reflect the evolving demands of a field increasingly influenced by advancements such as robotic surgery certifications. As both the healthcare landscape and surgical technology evolve, the need for certified professionals with expertise in these areas is more pronounced, creating competitive job opportunities tailored for those equipped with the right qualifications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,278 | $25.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,591 | $27.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,918 | $32.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,738 | $39.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,406 | $41.06 |
Median Salary Position
1.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlotte
In Charlotte, NC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,128 (2026 est.). At $66,918, the local median is 1.79% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlotte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlotte Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Charlotte median: $66,918/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlotte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,221 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -1.79% less |
Surgical Technologists in Charlotte, NC earn a median of $66,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% above the North Carolina state average of $64,221.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlotte has a cost of living 2.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 97.348 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $66,918 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,741 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.72% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,900
2025 BLS Actual
$63,490
2026 Current Est.
$66,918
2019–2027 Growth
+68.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Charlotte (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,918 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,532 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlotte metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 51.5% from $41,900 (2019) to $63,490 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,532 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,632 (68.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlotte 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) | $52,278 – $57,591 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,591 – $66,918 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,918 – $81,738 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,738 – $85,406 |
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 Charlotte
In Charlotte, approximately 1,170 surgical technologists currently work, contributing to a robust local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 97.348, surgical technologist pay in Charlotte NC translates to better purchasing power compared to many other urban areas. Employers across the region, particularly in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, offer varying compensation based on factors such as expertise and responsibilities. Generally, surgical technologists specializing in fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery tend to command higher salaries due to the complexity and skill required, alongside bonuses for call coverage or certifications like the CST and robotic surgery. Those looking to maximize their pay should focus on obtaining specialized certifications, seeking roles in high-demand surgical areas, and considering travel positions for potentially higher rates.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
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 $63,490 for surgical technologistsin the Charlotte 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