Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Augusta, GA: $84,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Augusta, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,552/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,001 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists with significant experience in Augusta, Georgia, can anticipate salaries that reflect their advanced skill set and responsibilities. Projections for 2026 indicate that top earners can command a substantial income, with the potential for salaries reaching as high as $84,552, substantially surpassing the median salary of $63,556 for this occupation. This demonstrates an impressive pay gap that rewards those who dedicate over seven years to honing their craft. Achieving top-tier compensation in Augusta is achievable through a combination of specialized training, certifications, and a commitment to continuous professional development, which can position experienced surgical technologists effectively in a competitive healthcare market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $76,067 and $84,552 per year (2026 est.). This $36,279 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $63,556 sits 6.73% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Augusta | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,556 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,067 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,552 | $102,175 |
In Augusta, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 33.04% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Augusta
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $63,556 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,067–$84,552 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Augusta with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Augusta
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAugusta ranks #29 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $84,552).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Augusta ($84,552) is 3.19% below the Georgia average P90 ($87,339).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,910
2025 BLS Actual
$80,220
2026 Current Est.
$84,552
2019–2027 Growth
+53.9%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,118 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow 38.5% from $57,910 in 2019 to $80,220 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $89,118 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Augusta
Professionals with expertise in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery often command premium salaries within the senior surgical technologist pay scale in GA. Employment settings dramatically influence compensation, with hospital operating rooms typically offering higher pay than ambulatory surgical centers or specialty practices. Advanced roles, including surgical first assistants or leaders within surgical teams, present additional opportunities for salary enhancement. To maximize earnings, pursuing advanced certifications, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), and maintaining nationally recognized credentials like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation can significantly improve marketability. Beyond salary, factors such as call coverage, specialty-specific premiums, and the prestige of working in trauma centers contribute to the overall compensation package for senior surgical technologists in Augusta.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Augusta in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Augusta?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Augusta?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Augusta?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Augusta?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,220 for surgical technologists in the Augusta metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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