Surgical Technologist Salary in Athens, OH: $60,761 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Athens, OH earns a median $60,761/year (≈ $29.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Athens's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $66,991 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Athens, Ohio, are projected to earn a median salary of $60,761, reflecting a specialized pay structure that often rewards those in demanding fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. The full salary span varies significantly from $45,531 at the entry-level (P10) to $85,692 for experienced professionals (P90), highlighting the financial incentives that exist for specialists in high-stakes environments. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, situating the surgical technologist salary in Athens approximately 10.83% below the national median of $68,141. As Athens continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure, opportunities for surgical technologists may increasingly lean toward advanced specialties that can better support competitive wages in the evolving job market.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,531 | $21.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,254 | $25.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,761 | $29.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,961 | $35.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,692 | $41.20 |
Median Salary Position
10.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, OH, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,161 (2026 est.). At $60,761, the local median is 10.83% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Athens median: $60,761/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,475 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -10.83% less |
Surgical Technologists in Athens, OH earn a median of $60,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.83% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $65,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,761 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,991 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,069
2025 BLS Actual
$57,648
2026 Current Est.
$60,761
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,326 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,274 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,046 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,444 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,761 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,042 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,069 (2019) to $57,648 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,042 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,973 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $45,531 – $52,254 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,254 – $60,761 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,761 – $72,961 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,961 – $85,692 |
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 Athens
With only five surgical technologists currently employed in Athens, the local job market remains tight, creating a landscape where professionals may find themselves vying for positions in various healthcare facilities. The cost of living index in Athens is 90.7, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living that positively impacts take-home purchasing power. Among employers, specialty surgical centers and hospital operating rooms are often the most lucrative, particularly for those with qualifications in cardiovascular or robotic surgery. Factors such as specialty certifications, call coverage responsibilities, and roles as a surgical first assistant contribute to the disparity in pay across the region. To maximize earning potential, surgical technologists should seek additional certifications, consider positions that offer a premium for specialized skills, and remain open to travel assignments where higher rates may be available, ensuring they capitalize on existing market demands.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
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 $57,648 for surgical technologistsin the Athens 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 Athens 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