Columbia vs Memphis: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbia, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,465 | $64,452▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.55 | $30.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,198 | $52,057▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,976 | $55,693▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,346▲ | $70,903 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,398▲ | $81,822 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Memphis is $2,987 (4.86%). Memphis's median is -5.41% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $48,200,Memphis spans $29,765. Columbia 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, Memphis ($69,920 effective) pays 4.43% more than Columbia ($66,955 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,398)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,452/year)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,920)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbia grew 30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$44,731 (2024) → $58,316 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$45,560 (2019) → $61,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbia or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Memphis as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbia vs Memphis?
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