Athens vs Atlanta: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,403 | $71,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.41 | $34.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,064▲ | $42,255 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,795▲ | $56,389 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,589 | $84,562▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,233 | $92,014▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 2,400▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Atlanta is $3,816 (5.66%). Atlanta's median is +4.52% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $33,169,Atlanta spans $49,759. Atlanta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Athens ($72,210 effective) pays 1.45% more than Atlanta ($71,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,210)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,014)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Athens grew 35.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.4% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$47,190 (2019) → $63,950 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$48,130 (2019) → $67,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Athens or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Atlanta as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Athens vs Atlanta?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov