Augusta vs Smyrna: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Augusta, GA and Smyrna, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Smyrna, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,556▲ | $61,131 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.56▲ | $29.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,273▲ | $43,929 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,083▲ | $51,622 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,067▲ | $75,119 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,552 | $90,416▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Augusta and Smyrna is $2,425 (3.97%). 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,Smyrna spans $46,487. Smyrna 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 5.32% more than Smyrna ($65,662 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)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,156)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,416)
- ✓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 Smyrna over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$39,850 (2019) → $60,300 (2025)
Smyrna, GA
$48,662 (2024) → $57,999 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Smyrna, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Augusta or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Smyrna as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Augusta vs Smyrna?
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