Atlanta vs Cartersville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Cartersville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Cartersville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,219▲ | $60,157 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24▲ | $28.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,255 | $44,514▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,389▲ | $51,323 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,562▲ | $70,573 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,014▲ | $82,153 |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cartersville.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Cartersville is $11,062 (18.39%). 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 Atlanta spans $49,759,Cartersville spans $37,639. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($71,178 effective) pays 10.16% more than Cartersville ($64,615 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,014)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,178)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Cartersville if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Atlanta grew 40.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Cartersville over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$48,130 (2019) → $67,570 (2025)
Cartersville, GA
$47,887 (2024) → $57,075 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Cartersville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Atlanta or Cartersville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Cartersville?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Cartersville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Atlanta vs Cartersville?
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