Atlanta vs Gainesville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Gainesville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Gainesville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,219▲ | $60,210 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24▲ | $28.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,255 | $45,113▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,389▲ | $52,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,562▲ | $74,440 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,014▲ | $87,130 |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Gainesville is $11,009 (18.28%). 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,Gainesville spans $42,017. 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 10.06% more than Gainesville ($64,672 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 Gainesville 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 74.5% growth in Gainesville over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$48,130 (2019) → $67,570 (2025)
Gainesville, GA
$32,740 (2020) → $57,125 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Gainesville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Atlanta or Gainesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Gainesville?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Gainesville as a surgical technologist?
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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