Surgical Technologist Salary in Clemson, SC: $60,962 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Clemson, SC earns a median $60,962/year (≈ $29.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Clemson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $66,625 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in Clemson, South Carolina, is projected to be $60,962 annually. Those in the field can expect earnings that range from $46,537 to $87,214, with various factors contributing to these figures, such as experience level and specialty certifications. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these estimates reflect local economic conditions and regional price adjustments. While the pay in Clemson is slightly lower than the national median of $68,141, surgical technologists dealing with specialized procedures, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, can command higher rates. Employers in these high-demand areas often provide additional compensation as an incentive for skilled professionals.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,537 | $22.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,242 | $25.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,962 | $29.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,969 | $35.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,214 | $41.93 |
Median Salary Position
10.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clemson
In Clemson, SC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,677 (2026 est.). At $60,962, the local median is 10.54% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clemson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clemson Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Clemson median: $60,962/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clemson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $66,191 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -10.54% less |
Surgical Technologists in Clemson, SC earn a median of $60,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $66,191.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clemson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clemson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,962 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,625 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,212
2025 BLS Actual
$57,839
2026 Current Est.
$60,962
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,473 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,417 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,962 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,254 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clemson metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $43,212 (2019) to $57,839 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,254 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,042 (48.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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) | $46,537 – $53,242 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,242 – $60,962 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,962 – $73,969 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,969 – $87,214 |
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 Clemson
Currently, Clemson’s job market employs just six surgical technologists, suggesting a niche yet competitive environment. The local cost of living is indexed at 91.5, indicating that take-home pay may stretch farther than in more expensive areas, enhancing purchasing power for those in the field. Employers in environments like hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, tend to offer the most lucrative positions. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include specialty focus, call coverage, robotic surgery capabilities, and roles as surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Clemson, pursuing robotic surgery certification or specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neuro may provide a significant advantage.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Clemson, SC in 2026?
Is Clemson, SC a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Clemson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Clemson?
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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 $57,839 for surgical technologistsin the Clemson 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 Clemson 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