Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Cleveland, TN: $91,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Cleveland, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $91,870/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Cleveland's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $100,076 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cleveland, Tennessee, experienced surgical technologists can anticipate a promising financial outlook, exemplified by a top-tier earning potential that reaches up to $91,870 in 2026. While the median annual salary sits at $61,602, the stark difference in pay highlights the significant rewards available for those who have honed their skills over seven or more years in the field. To achieve such high compensation, experienced professionals often focus on developing specialized skills, taking on leadership roles, or transitioning to demanding surgical environments where advanced expertise is highly valued. The difference between the median and the upper echelons of the pay scale illustrates that with the right combination of experience, credentials, and specialized training, surgical technologists in Cleveland can substantially elevate their earning capabilities, particularly in high-stakes surgical settings.
About the Cleveland Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Cleveland earn between $76,633 and $91,870 per year (2026 est.). This $45,185 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleveland median of $61,602 sits 9.6% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleveland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,602 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,633 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $91,870 | $102,175 |
In Cleveland, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.13% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Cleveland
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $61,602 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleveland employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Cleveland command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,633–$91,870 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Tennessee 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 Cleveland
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleveland ranks #7 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $91,870).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Cleveland ($91,870) is 13.07% above the Tennessee average P90 ($81,248).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,199
2025 BLS Actual
$87,163
2026 Current Est.
$91,870
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,736 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,637 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,764 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,428 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,163 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,831 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Cleveland saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $64,199 in 2019 to $87,163 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 $96,831 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland
Examining the factors that drive senior surgical technologist pay in TN reveals that certain specialties command superior compensation. Those involved in cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, or robotic surgery set themselves apart due to the advanced skills required, with robotics certification increasingly becoming a key differentiator in the hiring process. Compensation also varies depending on the type of employment; professionals earning higher salaries may find themselves in hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers for orthopedic or ophthalmic procedures. Career advancement opportunities further amplify earning potential; positions such as lead surgical tech or surgical first assistant (CSFA) can deliver more lucrative salaries. Additionally, holding advanced credentials like a CST certification through the NBSTSA or additional certifications for surgery assistant roles not only enhances job security but also opens doors to higher financial rewards. Factors like call coverage, leadership stipends, and affiliation with recognized trauma centers can also significantly influence total compensation packages in this competitive market.
More salary data for Cleveland, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Cleveland in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Cleveland?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Cleveland?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Cleveland?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Cleveland?
Related Pages
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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 $87,163 for surgical technologists in the Cleveland 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
Salary data for Cleveland 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