Surgical Technologist Salary in Pelham, AL: $47,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Pelham, AL earns a median $47,917/year (≈ $23.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Pelham's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $54,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the projected 2026 annual salary for surgical technologists is $47,917, which falls significantly below the national median of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $37,127 at the 10th percentile to $67,167 at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data indicate a specialized premium for roles in cardiovascular and neuro surgery, where techs can command higher pay within the upper echelons of the range. The growing demand for surgical services in these areas reflects a competitive job market, particularly for those possessing advanced certifications, such as robotic surgery proficiency, which can influence earnings potential.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,127 | $17.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,096 | $20.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,917 | $23.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,426 | $27.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,167 | $32.29 |
Median Salary Position
29.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham
In Pelham, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,040 (2026 est.). At $47,917, the local median is 29.68% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pelham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pelham Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Pelham median: $47,917/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pelham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,802 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -29.68% less |
Surgical Technologists in Pelham, AL earn a median of $47,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.68% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $51,802.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pelham 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.
Pelham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $47,917 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,513 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,965
2025 BLS Actual
$45,462
2026 Current Est.
$47,917
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,956 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,126 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,351 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,504 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pelham metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $33,965 (2019) to $45,462 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,504 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,539 (48.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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) | $37,127 – $42,096 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,096 – $47,917 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,917 – $57,426 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,426 – $67,167 |
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 Pelham
Currently, only four surgical technologists are employed in Pelham, suggesting a relatively niche job landscape. The cost of living index here is 87.9, which is below the national average, indicating that while salaries might be lower relative to national figures, purchasing power may be more favorable locally. Employers, such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers (like orthopedic and ophthalmology), tend to offer the most competitive salaries. The variation in pay scales is driven by factors such as specialized skill sets, call coverage requirements, and the role's complexity, including travel positions and certifications that often come with stipends. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Pelham, pursuing specialized training and certifications is advisable, along with seeking positions that offer salary incentives based on experience and skill level.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 $45,462 for surgical technologistsin the Pelham 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 Pelham 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