Surgical Technologist Salary in Vestavia Hills, AL: $49,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Vestavia Hills, AL earns a median $49,744/year (≈ $23.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Vestavia Hills's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $56,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, can expect to earn a median salary of $49,744 in 2026, reflecting the growing trend of robotic surgery certifications which are becoming increasingly valued in the local job market. With salaries ranging from $36,339 at the lower end to $72,648 at the high end, there's a noticeable variance based on experience, specialization, and certifications. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, which suggest that individuals with advanced skills, particularly in robotic procedures, may command higher wages. This elevates the overall compensation potential and highlights the city’s emphasis on advanced surgical techniques, enhancing its competitiveness in healthcare settings.
About the Vestavia Hills Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,339 | $17.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,273 | $20.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,744 | $23.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,832 | $29.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,648 | $34.93 |
Median Salary Position
27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vestavia Hills
In Vestavia Hills, AL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,309 (2026 est.). At $49,744, the local median is 27% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vestavia Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vestavia Hills Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Vestavia Hills median: $49,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vestavia Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $51,816 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -27.00% less |
Surgical Technologists in Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $49,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.00% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $51,816.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vestavia Hills 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.
Vestavia Hills, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $49,744 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,592 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,259
2025 BLS Actual
$47,195
2026 Current Est.
$49,744
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,259 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,427 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,851 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,246 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,506 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,430 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vestavia Hills metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $35,259 (2019) to $47,195 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,430 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,171 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vestavia Hills 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) | $36,339 – $42,273 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,273 – $49,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,744 – $60,832 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,832 – $72,648 |
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 Vestavia Hills
In Vestavia Hills, the local job market showcases only eight surgical technologists currently employed, indicating a relatively small but focused sector within the healthcare field. The cost-of-living index stands at 87.9, which means that while salaries may be lower than the national average, residents benefit from a moderate living expense that allows for greater purchasing power. Hospitals, especially those involved in specialized surgical services such as orthopedic and cardiovascular procedures, tend to offer the highest salaries. This disparity in pay is influenced by a range of factors, including specialty areas and certifications, with cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles typically earning more than general surgery positions. For surgical technologists looking to maximize their pay, pursuing robotic surgery certification and seeking positions at trauma centers or specialized surgical facilities can significantly boost earning potential, aligning their skills with the demands of a competitive field.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, 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 $47,195 for surgical technologistsin the Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills 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