Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Brentwood, TN: $46,749 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Brentwood, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,749 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brentwood's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,839) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Brentwood can anticipate a starting salary of around $46,749, which is significantly below the median annual salary of $60,839 for surgical technologists in the area. For early-career professionals, the trajectory is promising as they gain experience; the salary can advance to approximately $52,052 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median as they progress through their first few years of employment. This growth potential marks Brentwood as a relatively sound market for emerging surgical technologists, particularly given the growth rate of 5.40% predicted over the next five years within this role. New grads should remain aware of local hiring trends, as hospitals and surgery centers are often the main employers looking to recruit fresh talent.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brentwood
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood
Entry-level surgical technologists in Brentwood, TN typically start between $46,749 and $52,052 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,661 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,839 — 10.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Tennessee of $10,000 represents just 21.39% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,749/year) in Brentwood. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brentwood
- 1Research the Brentwood market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,749 to $52,052, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brentwood, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brentwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brentwood's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Brentwood is $42,661 ( 91.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,749, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,410.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,266
2025 BLS Actual
$44,354
2026 Current Est.
$46,749
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,266 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,518 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,354 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,749 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,274 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Brentwood, TN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,266 in 2019 to $44,354 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,274. New graduates entering the Brentwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Brentwood
Within Brentwood, various healthcare institutions frequently employ entry-level surgical technologists, particularly hospital operating rooms, which generally welcome new graduates with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers also provide an appealing option for new STs due to a no-call lifestyle, in contrast to specialty surgical centers that often prefer experienced professionals. To enhance their starting pay and job prospects in Tennessee, graduates should focus on earning their CST certification from NBSTSA and obtaining a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, as these credentials have become the federal hiring standard since 2021. Additionally, those seeking higher salaries may consider specializing in fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where the pay tends to be more competitive, or pursuing robotic surgery certification, which can differentiate candidates in the job market. Building a solid career strategy during the first few years — by targeting specific credentials and gaining hands-on experience — can lead to rewarding opportunities in this thriving field.
More salary data for Brentwood, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Brentwood in 2026?
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Is surgical services school worth it in Brentwood?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brentwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov