Surgical Technologist Salary in Columbus, MS: $54,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Columbus, MS earns a median $54,912/year (≈ $26.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $64,075 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, MS, surgical technologists earn a median annual salary of $54,912, which is notably lower than the national median of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $39,422 at the 10th percentile to $75,404 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrate the varied compensation landscape for surgical techs employed in different healthcare settings. Given that Columbus has a mix of hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, job seekers may find better prospects by targeting facilities that offer specialized surgeries and higher pay scales.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,422 | $18.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,366 | $23.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,912 | $26.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,839 | $31.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,404 | $36.25 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,982 (2026 est.). At $54,912, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $54,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $58,417 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -19.41% less |
Surgical Technologists in Columbus, MS earn a median of $54,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $58,417.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $54,912 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,075 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,923
2025 BLS Actual
$52,099
2026 Current Est.
$54,912
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,923 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,059 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,099 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,878 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $38,923 (2019) to $52,099 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,878 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,955 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $39,422 – $49,366 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,366 – $54,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,912 – $64,839 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,839 – $75,404 |
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 Columbus
In terms of local employment, only six surgical technologists currently work in the Columbus area. This limited number highlights the niche job market, creating potential opportunities for growth. The cost of living index in Columbus stands at 85.7, indicating that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for surgical techs can still be favorable within the region. Among local employers, hospitals typically provide more competitive wages compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers. Factors that contribute to the salary range include specialty certifications, such as robotic surgery proficiency, call coverage duties, and the role of surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Columbus, pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties can wield significant advantages in this evolving field.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Columbus, MS in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Columbus?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Columbus?
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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 $52,099 for surgical technologistsin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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