Surgical Technologist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $64,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $64,189/year (≈ $30.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $70,180 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, surgical technologists earn a median annual salary of $64,189, which reflects a slight dip of 5.80% compared to the national median. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level roles earning around $50,170 and experienced positions reaching up to $81,801. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and showcase a competitive market for surgical technologists relative to the region's healthcare landscape. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers in Chattanooga contribute to a diverse employment setting, ultimately influencing salary potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,170 | $24.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,784 | $25.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,189 | $30.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,812 | $31.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,801 | $39.32 |
Median Salary Position
5.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,631 (2026 est.). At $64,189, the local median is 5.8% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chattanooga Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $64,189/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $63,054 | +1.80% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.80% less |
Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $64,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.80% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.80% above the Tennessee state average of $63,054.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,189 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,180 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,190
2025 BLS Actual
$60,900
2026 Current Est.
$64,189
2019–2027 Growth
+72.6%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,760 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,655 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 55.4% from $39,190 (2019) to $60,900 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,655 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,465 (72.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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) | $50,170 – $52,784 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,784 – $64,189 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,189 – $65,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,812 – $81,801 |
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 Chattanooga
The local job market for surgical technologists is robust, with approximately 380 professionals currently employed in Chattanooga. Given the cost of living index of 91.464, which is below the national average, the take-home purchasing power for surgical technologist pay in Chattanooga, TN, is relatively favorable. Among local employers, those in hospital operating rooms typically offer higher salaries compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical facilities. Factors contributing to the salary range include the specific surgical specialty, call coverage requirements, and any robotic surgery certification. Professionals seeking to optimize their earnings should consider pursuing certifications in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, or engage in travel surgical tech opportunities, which can command premium rates and provide valuable experience.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Chattanooga, TN in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Chattanooga?
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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 $60,900 for surgical technologistsin the Chattanooga 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