Franklin vs Nashville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Franklin, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,727 | $66,528▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.60 | $31.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,308 | $51,825▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,311 | $60,415▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,574▲ | $75,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,561▲ | $86,512 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and Nashville is $801 (1.22%). Nashville's median is -2.37% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $50,253,Nashville spans $34,687. Franklin 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, Franklin ($71,598 effective) pays 3.68% more than Nashville ($69,057 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,561)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,598)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,528/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Franklin grew 38.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Franklin, TN
$44,894 (2024) → $62,360 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$47,720 (2019) → $63,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Franklin or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Franklin to Nashville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Franklin vs Nashville?
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