Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Clarksville, TN: $26.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Clarksville, TN runs $26.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,346 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Clarksville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,200 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Clarksville, Tennessee, the projected surgical technologist hourly pay for 2026 is $26.60, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This wage structure presents various earning possibilities, especially for part-time or per-diem workers who often operate within hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and more. For those working part-time, averaging three days a week, there is potential for a steady income while enjoying flexibility in scheduling. The hourly range in this area spans from $20.36 for entry-level positions to $31.38 for the highest earners, as indicated by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. This structure can help set realistic expectations for new surgical technologists entering the field or those considering a shift to per diem roles.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.36 | $162.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.99 | $199.92 |
| Median (P50) | $26.60 | $212.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.19 | $241.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.38 | $251.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clarksville
Based on $26.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.60/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clarksville, TN can expect to earn approximately $55,334 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,924. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clarksville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clarksville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,064.12 | $4,611 | $55,334 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.47 | $2,767 | $33,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.65 | $1,844 | $22,134 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Clarksville) | $26.60 |
| 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 Clarksville, TN earn a median of $55,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.78% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 12.20% below the Tennessee state average of $63,036.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.60/hr = $33,200/year (purchasing power: $36,505).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,334/year (purchasing power: $60,842).
CoL index: 90.947 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Clarksville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Clarksville grew 26.9% from $19.89/hr (2019) to $25.24/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.04/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 Clarksville 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 Clarksville
Assessing the financial landscape, a part-time surgical technologist in Clarksville working a typical 24-hour week can earn considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, limiting access to benefits often tied to full-time positions. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Clarksville generally ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialty areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery potentially reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts can also be lucrative, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 depending on demand and specialization. Likewise, hourly rates differ across employer types, with hospitals potentially offering more stable hours but possibly lower pay compared to specialty centers or travel agencies. Surgical technologists must carefully weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and lower rates that come with health insurance options. For those negotiating salaries, it is beneficial to highlight certifications, such as CST credentials, and specialized training to gain an edge in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Clarksville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Clarksville in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Clarksville?
Are surgical technologists in Clarksville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Clarksville?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Clarksville?
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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 Clarksville. 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, 6-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