Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $29.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Gallatin, TN runs $29.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,699 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gallatin, Tennessee, surgical technologists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $29.41 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $32.76. This means that professionals working part-time, such as those opting for three days a week in operating rooms or specialty surgical centers, could expect a substantial yet modest income considering their schedules. The hourly wage for surgical technologists in Gallatin varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $20.42 per hour, while seasoned professionals in top-tier roles can bill up to $43.51 per hour. These estimates are derived from projected annual salaries, allowing potential workers to gauge their financial prospects whether they are looking at full-time positions or per-diem opportunities in environments like trauma OR suites and robotic surgery rooms.
About the Gallatin 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) | $20.42 | $163.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.99 | $207.93 |
| Median (P50) | $29.41 | $235.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.30 | $290.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.51 | $348.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $29.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.41/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,166 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,288. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.26 | $5,097 | $61,166 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.76 | $3,058 | $36,699 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.51 | $2,039 | $24,466 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Gallatin) | $29.41 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $61,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.25% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $63,049.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.41/hr = $36,699/year (purchasing power: $39,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,166/year (purchasing power: $66,629).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Gallatin grew 33.9% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $27.90/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.99/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
For those considering part-time engagement, working a typical 24-hour work week translates annual earnings that can be significantly less than full-time counterparts. Part-time surgical technologists in Gallatin may take home a little over $45,000 yearly, whereas full-time roles yield a higher potential, particularly with overtime opportunities. The dynamics of per-diem and agency work also come into play, where surgical techs can expect to bill between $35 and $55 per hour on average; specialists in cardiovascular and neurosurgical settings can command rates from $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical technologists might secure contracts yielding $1,800 to $2,800 per week, making these options more lucrative. Hospital systems, ambulatory surgical centers, and even military units contribute to varied hourly compensation structures and benefits, each enticing different professionals based on individual needs. Those navigating these choices in Gallatin must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits versus lower rates that include health insurance, tailoring their negotiations to align with both market trends and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Gallatin 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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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