Clarksville vs Knoxville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Clarksville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clarksville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,346 | $57,865▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.60 | $27.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,350 | $50,191▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,983 | $54,534▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,776 | $63,851▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,274 | $66,855▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 520▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clarksville.
The salary gap between Clarksville and Knoxville is $2,519 (4.55%). Knoxville's median is -15.08% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clarksville spans $22,924,Knoxville spans $16,664. Clarksville 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, Knoxville ($62,510 effective) pays 2.72% more than Clarksville ($60,855 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clarksville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,865/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,855)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,510)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Clarksville grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Clarksville, TN
$41,370 (2019) → $52,510 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$40,680 (2019) → $54,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clarksville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Clarksville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clarksville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Clarksville to Knoxville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Clarksville vs Knoxville?
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