Surgical Technologist Salary in North Charleston, SC: $64,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in North Charleston, SC earns a median $64,502/year (≈ $31.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $70,494 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the surgical technologist salary in North Charleston, South Carolina, is projected to reach a median of $64,502, reflecting a slight decrease of 5.34% compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for surgical technologists in this area spans from $42,690 at the 10th percentile to $96,636 at the 90th percentile, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments. As the demand for skilled surgical technologists continues to grow, especially those with certifications in robotic surgery, individuals entering this field may find opportunities for increased compensation by acquiring advanced credentials such as the CST or pursuing specialized roles within the surgical spectrum. With a relatively smaller pool of 22 surgical technologists employed locally, the competitive landscape in North Charleston may offer room for negotiation and advancement in pay.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,690 | $20.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,876 | $26.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,502 | $31.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,448 | $38.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,636 | $46.46 |
Median Salary Position
5.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,946 (2026 est.). At $64,502, the local median is 5.34% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Charleston Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $64,502/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $66,223 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.34% less |
Surgical Technologists in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $64,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.34% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.60% below the South Carolina state average of $66,223.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,502 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,494 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,720
2025 BLS Actual
$61,197
2026 Current Est.
$64,502
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,055 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,938 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,971 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,197 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,720 (2019) to $61,197 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,265 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $42,690 – $55,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,876 – $64,502 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,502 – $79,448 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,448 – $96,636 |
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 North Charleston
Despite the promising salary outlook, the cost of living in North Charleston, with an index of 91.5, highlights the importance of understanding true purchasing power when considering surgical technologist pay in North Charleston SC. Healthcare establishments such as hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers in the area tend to offer the most competitive wages. Factors influencing pay variability include the level of specialization—such as those focusing on cardiovascular or neuro surgeries—availability of call coverage, and additional stipends for robotic surgery certifications. To maximize earning potential, surgical technologists should consider enhancing their skills through continuing education and actively seeking employment with medical facilities that prioritize advanced technological integration or provide attractive benefits. With the field projected to grow at a rate of 5.40% annually, now is an opportune time for aspiring technologists to enter this rewarding career path.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in North Charleston, SC in 2026?
Is North Charleston, SC a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in North Charleston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in North Charleston?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in North Charleston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $61,197 for surgical technologistsin the North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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