Columbus vs Warner Robins: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Columbus, GA and Warner Robins, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Warner Robins, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,311▲ | $53,375 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.48▲ | $25.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,171▲ | $39,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,057 | $53,016▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,904▲ | $59,098 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,676 | $68,173▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Warner Robins.
The salary gap between Columbus and Warner Robins is $7,936 (14.87%). Columbus's median is -10.02% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $24,505,Warner Robins spans $28,216. Warner Robins 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, Columbus ($68,660 effective) pays 20.65% more than Warner Robins ($56,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,311/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,660)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Warner Robins if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,173)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Columbus grew 47.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.1% growth in Warner Robins over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$39,440 (2019) → $58,170 (2025)
Warner Robins, GA
$36,680 (2020) → $50,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Warner Robins, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Columbus or Warner Robins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Warner Robins?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Warner Robins as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Columbus vs Warner Robins?
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