Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Franklin, TN: $48,308 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Franklin, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,308 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,623 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,727) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist profession in Franklin, Tennessee, the 2026 projected starting salary is approximately $48,308. This figure falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $65,727. Entry-level professionals can typically expect a gradual salary increase as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, those who start at the entry-level mark often see their earnings rise toward or slightly above the $56,311 benchmark, representing the 25th percentile. The market in Franklin currently presents a fair opportunity for new graduates, especially considering the expected 5.40% annual growth rate in the field, which could encourage upward movement in compensation as they establish themselves in this rewarding healthcare career.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level surgical technologists in Franklin, TN typically start between $48,308 and $56,311 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,253 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,727 — 3.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Tennessee of $10,000 represents just 20.70% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($48,308/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $48,308 to $56,311, 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 Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $50,253 ( 104.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,308, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,561.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,342
2025 BLS Actual
$45,833
2026 Current Est.
$48,308
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,342 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,041 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,844 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,769 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,545 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,833 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,308 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,917 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, TN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,342 in 2019 to $45,833 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,917. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In Franklin, various employers actively hire newly graduated surgical technologists. Most often, hospitals’ operating rooms are the primary settings offering positions to new CST graduates, typically providing a general specialty rotation. Alternatively, ambulatory surgical centers appeal to many new grads for their no-call lifestyle, while specialty surgical centers, such as those focused on orthopedics or ophthalmology, tend to seek more experienced surgical technologists. New graduates can enhance their starting pay in Tennessee by obtaining credentials such as a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and obtaining the CST certification from the NBSTSA. Gaining further qualifications, including a BLS certification and advanced training in robotic surgery (da Vinci) can prove advantageous for career progression in the first few years. Realistically, entry-level professionals can anticipate gradual salary increases, especially if they pursue opportunities in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Franklin in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Franklin?
Is surgical services school worth it in Franklin?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Franklin?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Tennessee?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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