Nashville vs Smyrna: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Nashville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,528▲ | $63,752 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.99▲ | $30.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,825▲ | $45,127 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,415▲ | $53,322 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,003 | $79,221▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,512 | $93,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Nashville and Smyrna is $2,776 (4.35%). 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 Nashville spans $34,687,Smyrna spans $48,309. Smyrna 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, Smyrna ($69,447 effective) pays 0.56% 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 Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,528/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,436)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,447)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Nashville grew 32.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$47,720 (2019) → $63,120 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$46,395 (2024) → $60,486 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Nashville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Smyrna as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Nashville vs Smyrna?
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