Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $92,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Oak Ridge, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,987/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Oak Ridge's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $101,293 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, TN, senior surgical technologists have significant earning potential, especially at the upper echelon of the salary range. With projections for 2026 indicating that top earners can make as much as $92,987 annually, the expansive gulf between the median annual salary of $61,881 and the highest bracket further illustrates the value of experience in this field. Achieving such top-tier compensation typically requires not only years of experience but also specialized training in high-demand areas, such as robotic surgery or trauma care. Professionals who have honed their skills and successfully navigated advanced certification pathways often find themselves positioned well within this lucrative pay tier, definitely enhancing the overall experienced surgical technologist salary in Oak Ridge.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Oak Ridge earn between $74,944 and $92,987 per year (2026 est.). This $49,063 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oak Ridge median of $61,881 sits 9.19% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Oak Ridge | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,881 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,944 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,987 | $102,175 |
In Oak Ridge, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 50.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Oak Ridge
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $61,881 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oak Ridge employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Oak Ridge command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,944–$92,987 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOak Ridge ranks #5 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $92,987).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Oak Ridge ($92,987) is 14.45% above the Tennessee average P90 ($81,248).
2019 BLS Actual
$64,980
2025 BLS Actual
$88,223
2026 Current Est.
$92,987
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,980 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,536 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,111 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,008 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Oak Ridge saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $64,980 in 2019 to $88,223 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 $98,008 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Specialization plays a critical role in determining compensation pathways for experienced surgical technologists in Oak Ridge. Those working in specialized surgical fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery often receive higher pay due to the complexity and technical demands of their roles. Additionally, the type of employer can significantly impact compensation; for instance, senior surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers typically enjoy more favorable pay scales compared to those in ambulatory surgery centers. Advancement opportunities also abound, as seasoned professionals can aim for roles such as lead surgical tech, OR supervisor, or surgical first assistant (CSFA), all of which may come with enhanced pay structures. Notably, holding advanced credentials like CST certification and specific training in robotic surgery can effectively boost pay prospects in TN. Various factors, including call coverage, certifications, and hospital types, further shape the senior surgical technologist pay landscape in the region, illustrating the multifaceted nature of this profession.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Oak Ridge in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Oak Ridge?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Oak Ridge?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Oak Ridge?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Oak Ridge?
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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 $88,223 for surgical technologists in the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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