Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $34.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Atlanta, GA runs $34.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,737 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $34.24 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive rate not only reflects the city's vibrant medical landscape but also provides promising opportunities for those considering part-time roles or per-diem work. Working three days a week in a hospital's main operating room or an ambulatory surgery center allows surgical technologists to earn a steady income, while per-diem positions grant flexibility and potentially higher hourly rates. The hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $20.31 and experienced technologists earning as much as $44.24, illustrating the varied levels of expertise and responsibilities within the profession.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.31 | $162.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.11 | $216.87 |
| Median (P50) | $34.24 | $273.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.65 | $325.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.24 | $353.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $34.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.24/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $71,228 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,093. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,369.78 | $5,936 | $71,228 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.87 | $3,561 | $42,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.91 | $2,374 | $28,491 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Atlanta) | $34.24 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $71,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 12.80% above the Georgia state average of $63,137.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.24/hr = $42,737/year (purchasing power: $42,712).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,228/year (purchasing power: $71,187).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Atlanta grew 40.4% from $23.14/hr (2019) to $32.49/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Atlanta
For those opting for part-time work, a surgical technologist dedicated to a 24-hour workweek can still take home a substantial income, though less than a full-time wage might suggest. Per diem surgical technologists in Atlanta typically earn between $35 and $55 per hour, while specialists in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery can command rates as high as $75. Travel contracts present even more lucrative opportunities, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly for those willing to relocate temporarily. It's noteworthy that hourly rates can differ based on employer type, with hospitals generally offering lower rates but better benefits compared to specialty surgical centers and agencies that provide contract work. Surgical technologists must weigh the trade-offs of higher pay against the valuable benefits often associated with full-time positions, a consideration that greatly influences their career decisions in this dynamic healthcare environment. Negotiating effectively, especially in a city like Atlanta, can lead to more favorable pay conditions, particularly when leveraging certifications from accredited programs like CAAHEP or advanced skills in robotic surgery.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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