Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $29.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $29.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,134 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Oak Ridge, TN, can anticipate a robust median hourly pay of $29.75 in 2026. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $32.76, which highlights the local compensation landscape for this critical healthcare role. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, which often involves shifts in environments like hospital operating rooms or ambulatory surgery centers, the hourly rate can significantly influence overall earnings. Entry-level surgical technologists may earn around $21.12 per hour, while experienced professionals—particularly those in high-demand specialties or per-diem roles—can make up to $44.70. Given that these estimates derive from current annual salary data, they paint a picture of what both new and seasoned surgical technologists can expect as they navigate this important career path.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $21.12 | $168.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.92 | $199.33 |
| Median (P50) | $29.75 | $238.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.03 | $288.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.70 | $357.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $29.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.75/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $61,889 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,705. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,190.18 | $5,157 | $61,889 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.11 | $3,094 | $37,134 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.07 | $2,063 | $24,756 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Oak Ridge) | $29.75 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $61,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.19% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $63,080.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.75/hr = $37,134/year (purchasing power: $40,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,889/year (purchasing power: $67,417).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Oak Ridge grew 33.9% from $21.09/hr (2019) to $28.23/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.36/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
When examining part-time potential, a surgical technologist working three days per week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to earn approximately $36,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time colleagues. Moreover, per diem surgical technologist pay in Oak Ridge typically ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized roles, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgical technologists, potentially earning between $50 and $75. Travel surgical tech positions can be particularly lucrative, offering contracts that pay between $1,800 to $2,800 per week. Different employer types across Oak Ridge present varying compensation levels; while hospitals might offer more stability and benefits, ambulatory surgery centers can provide higher hourly wages but often without health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, focusing on overall benefits versus straight hourly wages can make a significant difference, giving surgical technologists the flexibility to decide what’s most important for their careers and financial well-being in 2026.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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