Cartersville vs Savannah: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cartersville, GA and Savannah, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cartersville, GA | Savannah, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,157 | $67,445▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.92 | $32.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,514 | $49,917▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,323 | $54,629▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,573▲ | $68,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,153▲ | $68,995 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cartersville.
The salary gap between Cartersville and Savannah is $7,288 (12.11%). Savannah's median is -1.02% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cartersville spans $37,639,Savannah spans $19,078. Cartersville 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, Savannah ($70,841 effective) pays 9.63% 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 Cartersville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,153)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,445/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,841)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cartersville grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.4% growth in Savannah over the same period.
Cartersville, GA
$47,887 (2024) → $57,075 (2025)
Savannah, GA
$41,190 (2019) → $63,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cartersville, GA
Savannah, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cartersville or Savannah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cartersville and Savannah?
Should I relocate from Cartersville to Savannah as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cartersville vs Savannah?
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