Augusta vs Cartersville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Augusta, GA and Cartersville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Cartersville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,556▲ | $60,157 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.56▲ | $28.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,273▲ | $44,514 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,083▲ | $51,323 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,067▲ | $70,573 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,552▲ | $82,153 |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cartersville.
The salary gap between Augusta and Cartersville is $3,399 (5.65%). Augusta's median is -6.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $36,279,Cartersville spans $37,639. Cartersville 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, Augusta ($69,156 effective) pays 7.03% 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 Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,556/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,552)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,156)
- ✓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 Augusta grew 51.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Cartersville over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$39,850 (2019) → $60,300 (2025)
Cartersville, GA
$47,887 (2024) → $57,075 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Cartersville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Augusta or Cartersville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Cartersville?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Cartersville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Augusta 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