Surgical Technologist Salary in Tullahoma, TN: $58,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Tullahoma, TN earns a median $58,275/year (≈ $28.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Tullahoma's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $63,480 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Tullahoma, TN, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,275 in 2026, reflecting a notable difference compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for local surgical technologists extends from $45,065 at the 10th percentile to $81,730 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the earnings potential within various surgical environments. Individuals working in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers can experience varying compensation based on the specific setting and level of specialization, which ultimately shapes the job market in Tullahoma.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,065 | $21.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,816 | $23.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,275 | $28.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,693 | $33.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,730 | $39.29 |
Median Salary Position
14.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tullahoma
In Tullahoma, TN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,665 (2026 est.). At $58,275, the local median is 14.48% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tullahoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tullahoma Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Tullahoma median: $58,275/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tullahoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $63,068 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -14.48% less |
Surgical Technologists in Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $58,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $63,068.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tullahoma 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.
Tullahoma, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $58,275 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,480 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,306
2025 BLS Actual
$55,289
2026 Current Est.
$58,275
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,512 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,421 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tullahoma metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $41,306 (2019) to $55,289 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,421 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,115 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tullahoma 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) | $45,065 – $49,816 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,816 – $58,275 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,275 – $69,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,693 – $81,730 |
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 Tullahoma
The local job market for surgical technologists is relatively small, with just four professionals currently employed in the area. Tullahoma’s cost of living index stands at 91.8, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which allows for greater purchasing power for surgical technologists. Among local employers, hospitals are typically the highest payers, especially for those with specialized skills in fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery. The disparity in salaries is driven by factors such as specialty certifications, call coverage requirements, and specific roles like surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their pay, obtaining certifications in robotic surgery or pursuing travel positions could significantly enhance earning potential in this particular market.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Tullahoma, TN in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Tullahoma?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Tullahoma?
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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 $55,289 for surgical technologistsin the Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma 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