Surgical Technologist Salary in Gainesville, GA: $60,210 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Gainesville, GA earns a median $60,210/year (≈ $28.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Gainesville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $64,672 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Gainesville, Georgia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $60,210 in 2026. This figure represents a notable contrast to the national median of $68,141, illustrating a regional pay gap that newcomers to the field should consider. Earnings range from $45,113 at the 10th percentile to $87,130 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the local healthcare infrastructure. As surgical services expand in general hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities in the area, demand for these professionals is projected to grow, contributing to an annual growth rate of 5.40%. Understanding these dynamics is key for surgical technologists looking to establish or advance their careers in Gainesville.
About the Gainesville Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,113 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,210 | $28.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,440 | $35.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,130 | $41.89 |
Median Salary Position
11.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gainesville
In Gainesville, GA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,017 (2026 est.). At $60,210, the local median is 11.64% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gainesville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gainesville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Gainesville median: $60,210/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gainesville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $63,179 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.64% less |
Surgical Technologists in Gainesville, GA earn a median of $60,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.64% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.70% below the Georgia state average of $63,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gainesville has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gainesville, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,210 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,672 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,678
2025 BLS Actual
$57,125
2026 Current Est.
$60,210
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gainesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,678 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,210 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,461 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gainesville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $42,678 (2019) to $57,125 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,461 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,783 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gainesville 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) | $45,113 – $52,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,000 – $60,210 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,210 – $74,440 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,440 – $87,130 |
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 Gainesville
In Gainesville, the job market for surgical technologists is characterized by modest employment numbers, with only 11 individuals currently in the role. The area maintains a cost-of-living index of 93.1, which translates to a slightly lower cost of living compared to the national average, potentially offering greater purchasing power for local professionals. Hospitals typically provide the highest salaries, particularly for specialized roles in cardiothoracic and neuro surgeries. Conversely, surgical techs in ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical venues often receive lower compensation. To maximize earnings, aspiring surgical technologists should seek certification in advanced technologies such as robotic surgery and consider positions that offer call coverage or trauma responsibilities, as these factors can significantly increase compensation packages in Gainesville, GA.
More salary data for Gainesville, 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 $57,125 for surgical technologistsin the Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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