Knoxville vs La Vergne: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Knoxville, TN and La Vergne, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | La Vergne, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,865 | $60,237▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.82 | $28.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,191▲ | $45,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,534▲ | $52,153 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,851 | $73,300▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,855 | $87,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 8 |
Verdict
La Vergne, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and La Vergne is $2,372 (4.10%). La Vergne's median is -11.60% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $16,664,La Vergne spans $42,068. La Vergne 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, La Vergne ($65,618 effective) pays 4.97% more than Knoxville ($62,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose La Vergne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,376)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,618)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Knoxville grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in La Vergne over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$40,680 (2019) → $54,900 (2025)
La Vergne, TN
$43,837 (2024) → $57,151 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
La Vergne, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Knoxville or La Vergne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and La Vergne?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to La Vergne as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Knoxville vs La Vergne?
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