Memphis vs Nashville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Memphis, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,452 | $66,528▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.99 | $31.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,057▲ | $51,825 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,693 | $60,415▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,903 | $75,003▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,822 | $86,512▲ |
| Total Employed | 630 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Memphis and Nashville is $2,076 (3.22%). 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 Memphis spans $29,765,Nashville spans $34,687. Nashville 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, Memphis ($69,920 effective) pays 1.25% 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 Memphis if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,920)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,528/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,512)
- ✓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 Memphis grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$45,560 (2019) → $61,150 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$47,720 (2019) → $63,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Memphis or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Nashville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Memphis vs Nashville?
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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