Surgical Technologist Salary in Columbia, TN: $61,465 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Columbia, TN earns a median $61,465/year (≈ $29.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $66,955 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The surgical technologist salary in Columbia, TN, is projected to be $61,465 in 2026, reflecting a nuanced market influenced by local demand and specialty areas. This figure falls below the national median of $68,141, highlighting a regional variance often seen in healthcare professions. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $43,198 at the 10th percentile to $91,398 at the 90th percentile, providing a spectrum of compensation based on experience, skill set, and the type of surgical procedures performed. Surgical technologists working in cardiovascular and neurosurgery typically see a premium due to the complexity and expertise required in these subspecialties. As employers in Columbia prioritize specialized skills, achieving certification in areas like robotic surgery can further elevate earning potential.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,198 | $20.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,976 | $24.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,465 | $29.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,346 | $36.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,398 | $43.94 |
Median Salary Position
9.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, TN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,200 (2026 est.). At $61,465, the local median is 9.8% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $61,465/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $63,041 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -9.80% less |
Surgical Technologists in Columbia, TN earn a median of $61,465 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.80% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $63,041.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $61,465 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,955 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$43,568
2025 BLS Actual
$58,316
2026 Current Est.
$61,465
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,568 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,775 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,672 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,316 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,465 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,784 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,568 (2019) to $58,316 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,784 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,216 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $43,198 – $50,976 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,976 – $61,465 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,465 – $76,346 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,346 – $91,398 |
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 Columbia
Employment rates for surgical technologists in Columbia remain stable, with 10 professionals currently in the field. The area's cost of living index stands at 91.8, which suggests a relatively lower cost of living compared to the national average. This can enhance the purchasing power of surgical technologist pay in Columbia, TN, allowing for comfortable living conditions despite the overall lower salary figures. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers offer the highest compensation, especially for those with advanced certifications or who take on roles like surgical first assistants. Factors driving the pay spectrum include surgical specialty, required qualifications, and evening or weekend call coverage. For those seeking to maximize their income in this market, focusing on specialty certifications and seeking positions with military or travel surgical tech agencies can offer significant financial rewards.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Columbia, TN in 2026?
Is Columbia, TN a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Columbia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Columbia?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Columbia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 $58,316 for surgical technologistsin the Columbia 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 Columbia 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