Surgical Technologist Salary in Daphne, AL: $52,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Daphne, AL earns a median $52,278/year (≈ $25.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Daphne's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 94.7), that paycheck buys what $55,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source

In Daphne, Alabama, surgical technologists earn an annual median salary of $52,278, which reflects a noticeable gap compared to the national average of $68,141. The local salary range runs from $40,906 at the lower end to $64,073 at the higher end, showcasing the variations in pay based on specialization and experience within the field. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizing the importance of hospital systems and their structure—operating rooms in larger hospitals typically offer higher pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical facilities. As the region continues to grow, understanding these dynamics becomes crucial for current and aspiring surgical technologists aiming to maximize their earnings in Daphne.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,906 | $19.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,391 | $19.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,278 | $25.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,102 | $29.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,073 | $30.81 |
Median Salary Position
23.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daphne
In Daphne, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,167 (2026 est.). At $52,278, the local median is 23.28% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Daphne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Daphne Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Daphne median: $52,278/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Daphne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,812 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -23.28% less |
Surgical Technologists in Daphne, AL earn a median of $52,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.28% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.90% above the Alabama state average of $51,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Daphne has a cost of living 5.31% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Daphne, AL has a cost-of-living index of 94.69 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $52,278 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,210 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,056
2025 BLS Actual
$49,600
2026 Current Est.
$52,278
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Daphne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,056 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,570 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,680 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,101 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Daphne metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $37,056 (2019) to $49,600 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,101 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,045 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daphne 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) | $40,906 – $41,391 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,391 – $52,278 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,278 – $62,102 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,102 – $64,073 |
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 Daphne
The job market for surgical technologists in Daphne is supported by approximately 80 professionals currently employed, which underscores a stable demand for skilled labor in this healthcare sector. With a cost of living index of 94.69, living expenses in Daphne are below the national average, allowing residents to stretch their pay further than in many other regions. Among local employers, large hospital operating rooms often provide the most lucrative salaries, while specialized surgical centers focusing on fields like cardiothoracic or orthopedic surgery may also offer competitive pay structures. Factors influencing the wage spread include the level of specialization, certifications such as robotic surgery proficiency, and the demand for surgical first assistants. To enhance earning potential, surgical technologists should pursue advanced certifications and consider roles in travel positions, which often afford higher compensation rates, especially for those willing to work on an as-needed or per diem basis.
More salary data for Daphne, 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 $49,600 for surgical technologistsin the Daphne 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
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