Atlanta vs Sandy Springs: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,219 | $72,612▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24 | $34.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,255 | $50,154▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,389 | $60,009▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,562 | $89,340▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,014 | $108,336▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlanta.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Sandy Springs is $1,393 (1.96%). Sandy Springs's median is +6.56% 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,Sandy Springs spans $58,182. Sandy Springs 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, Sandy Springs ($77,994 effective) pays 9.58% 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 Atlanta if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,612/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,336)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,994)
- ✓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 33.1% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$48,130 (2019) → $67,570 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$51,770 (2024) → $68,892 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Atlanta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Sandy Springs as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Atlanta vs Sandy Springs?
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