Surgical Technologist Salary in Atlanta, GA: $71,219 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Atlanta, GA earns a median $71,219/year (≈ $34.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $71,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.8% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $71,219, reflecting a competitive landscape in the healthcare sector. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $68,141, indicating a robust demand for skilled surgical tech professionals. The salary range for this occupation in the area stretches from $42,255 at the lower end (P10) to a peak of $92,014 (P90), showcasing the diverse opportunities available based on experience and specialization. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projections highlight that surgical technologists working in high-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, often command premium compensation. As Atlanta continues to grow as a healthcare hub, the job market for surgical technologists remains promising, especially for those who pursue advanced certifications and specializations.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,255 | $20.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,389 | $27.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,219 | $34.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,562 | $40.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,014 | $44.24 |
Median Salary Position
4.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,759 (2026 est.). At $71,219, the local median is 4.52% above the national median of $68,141.
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How Atlanta Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $71,219/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,137 | +12.80% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +4.52% more |
Surgical Technologists in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $71,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.52% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 12.80% above the Georgia state average of $63,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,219 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,178 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,130
2025 BLS Actual
$67,570
2026 Current Est.
$71,219
2019–2027 Growth
+56.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,219 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,065 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 40.4% from $48,130 (2019) to $67,570 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,065 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,935 (55.96%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $42,255 – $56,389 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,389 – $71,219 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,219 – $84,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,562 – $92,014 |
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 Atlanta
With approximately 2,400 surgical technologists employed within the Atlanta region, the local job market illustrates strength and stability. The cost of living in Atlanta, reflected by a somewhat elevated index of 100.058, suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must be weighed against higher living expenses. Notably, employers in hospital operating rooms and specialized centers—particularly those focused on orthopedic, ophthalmology, and cardiothoracic procedures—tend to offer the most lucrative positions. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include specialty skills, on-call requirements, and additional certifications like robotic surgery proficiency that can enhance earnings. For surgical technologists seeking to maximize their compensation in the Atlanta market, gaining certifications such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), or pursuing travel tech opportunities may be effective strategies to increase overall pay and benefits.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 $67,570 for surgical technologistsin the Atlanta 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, 7-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