Savannah vs Valdosta: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Savannah, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Savannah, GA | Valdosta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,445▲ | $48,916 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.43▲ | $23.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,917▲ | $38,345 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,629▲ | $41,127 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,995▲ | $58,318 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,995▲ | $58,318 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Savannah, GA offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valdosta.
The salary gap between Savannah and Valdosta is $18,529 (37.88%). Savannah's median is -1.02% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Savannah spans $19,078,Valdosta spans $19,973. Valdosta 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, Savannah ($70,841 effective) pays 27.84% more than Valdosta ($55,416 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Savannah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,445/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,995)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,841)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Valdosta if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Savannah grew 55.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Valdosta over the same period.
Savannah, GA
$41,190 (2019) → $63,990 (2025)
Valdosta, GA
$39,560 (2019) → $46,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Savannah, GA
Valdosta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Savannah or Valdosta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Savannah and Valdosta?
Should I relocate from Savannah to Valdosta as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Savannah vs Valdosta?
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