Surgical Technologist Salary in Auburn, AL: $50,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Auburn, AL earns a median $50,654/year (≈ $24.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $57,627 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in Auburn, Alabama, is projected to reach a median of $50,654, which is notably lower than the national median of $68,141. Within the local market, salaries range from $37,139 at the 10th percentile to $75,876 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant variability in compensation. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for cost-of-living differences in the region. The increasing adoption of robotic surgery techniques and certification can also influence compensation levels, as those with specialized skills may command higher pay, emphasizing the evolving landscape of surgical technology in Auburn.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,139 | $17.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,368 | $20.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,654 | $24.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,888 | $30.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,876 | $36.48 |
Median Salary Position
25.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,737 (2026 est.). At $50,654, the local median is 25.66% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $50,654/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,794 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -25.66% less |
Surgical Technologists in Auburn, AL earn a median of $50,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.66% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.20% below the Alabama state average of $51,794.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $50,654 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,627 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,905
2025 BLS Actual
$48,059
2026 Current Est.
$50,654
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,953 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,076 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,599 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,056 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,247 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,059 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,390 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $35,905 (2019) to $48,059 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,390 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,485 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,139 – $43,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,368 – $50,654 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,654 – $63,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,888 – $75,876 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Auburn
With 16 surgical technologists currently employed in Auburn, the local job market remains relatively stable but offers limited opportunity for major salary growth. The cost-of-living index in Auburn is 87.9, indicating that daily expenses are below the national average, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for local professionals. Employers in Auburn, such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, typically offer higher compensation rates compared to ambulatory surgery centers or travel surgical tech agencies. Factors contributing to the disparity in earnings include specialization, certification in robotic surgery, and roles with additional responsibilities like surgical first assistant. To maximize pay in this market, pursuing certifications, particularly in high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular or neuro surgery, as well as gaining experience in facilities that perform high volumes of robotic procedures, can prove beneficial for surgical technologists in Auburn, AL.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,059 for surgical technologistsin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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