Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $28.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Cookeville, TN runs $28.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,928 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,963 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $28.82 in 2026, which lags approximately 12.05% behind the national hourly median of $32.76. This hourly rate provides a reasonable income for professionals working in various surgical settings such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and robotic surgery environments. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, working just three days a week can still yield significant earnings, especially when entry-level rates start at around $21.43 per hour and top earners might earn up to $41.44 per hour. The range showcases both the entry-level opportunities and the potential for advancement or specialization that can increase hourly compensation significantly.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.43 | $171.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.77 | $198.15 |
| Median (P50) | $28.82 | $230.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.93 | $279.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.44 | $331.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $28.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.82/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $59,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,580. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.65 | $4,995 | $59,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.59 | $2,997 | $35,963 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.06 | $1,998 | $23,975 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Cookeville) | $28.82 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $59,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $63,082.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.82/hr = $35,963/year (purchasing power: $39,175).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,938/year (purchasing power: $65,292).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cookeville grew 33.9% from $20.43/hr (2019) to $27.34/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.37/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
For surgical technologists working part-time in Cookeville, earning a steady income from a 24-hour work week could bring in about $41,337 annually, which is quite competitive given the local cost of living index. Moreover, per diem surgical technologist pay in Cookeville often ranges between $35 and $55 per hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery potentially earning anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel positions also offer lucrative contracts, with weekly earnings from $1,800 to $2,800, particularly for high-demand specialties in cardiac surgery. Different employer types within the region tend to offer varied pay structures; for example, surgical technologists employed in military or VA surgical units might find benefits that offset slightly lower hourly rates. When considering employment options, surgical technologists are advised to weigh the benefits of secure, salaried positions against higher-paying per diem roles that often lack health insurance and other benefits. Negotiation strategies focused on establishing value based on certifications, such as CST or robotic surgery qualifications, can lead to better hourly offers in this growing field.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Cookeville in 2026?
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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 Cookeville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cookeville 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