Surgical Technologist Salary in Cornelius, NC: $63,352 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cornelius, NC earns a median $63,352/year (≈ $30.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cornelius's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $67,684 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Cornelius, North Carolina, can anticipate a median annual salary of $63,352, which reflects a competitive positioning within the healthcare sector. The salary range extends from $48,897 at the 10th percentile to $89,769 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential linked to specialty fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. Those specializing in these areas often command a premium, which complements their specialized skills and training. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, indicating Cornelius's job market is set against the national median of $68,141 for surgical technologists.
About the Cornelius Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,897 | $23.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,967 | $26.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,352 | $30.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,796 | $36.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,769 | $43.16 |
Median Salary Position
7.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cornelius
In Cornelius, NC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,872 (2026 est.). At $63,352, the local median is 7.03% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cornelius: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cornelius Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cornelius median: $63,352/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cornelius Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $64,186 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -7.03% less |
Surgical Technologists in Cornelius, NC earn a median of $63,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.03% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $64,186.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cornelius has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cornelius, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,352 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,684 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,905
2025 BLS Actual
$60,106
2026 Current Est.
$63,352
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,119 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,352 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,773 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cornelius metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,905 (2019) to $60,106 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,773 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,868 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cornelius 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) | $48,897 – $55,967 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,967 – $63,352 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,352 – $75,796 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,796 – $89,769 |
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 Cornelius
The local job market shows a modest presence, with only seven surgical technologists currently employed in Cornelius. The cost of living index stands at 93.6, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power for surgical technologists. Employers in the area that offer the highest pay include hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, particularly in cardiothoracic and orthopedic specialties. Factors such as call coverage, robotic surgery certification stipends, and the role of surgical first assistants contribute to the variance in salaries from lower to upper ranges. To maximize earnings, aspiring surgical technologists should pursue certifications in specialized areas and consider opportunities in military or travel surgical tech roles, which often provide higher compensation packages and the chance for skill enhancement in diverse settings. With the local market's pathways to advancement, there's ample potential for growth in surgical technologist pay in Cornelius, NC.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
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 $60,106 for surgical technologistsin the Cornelius 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 Cornelius 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