Surgical Technologist Salary in Oak Ridge, TN: $61,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Oak Ridge, TN earns a median $61,881/year (≈ $29.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Oak Ridge's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $67,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, surgical technologists earn a median annual salary of $61,881, which reflects a competitive position in the local healthcare market despite being slightly below the national median of $68,141. With salaries ranging from $43,924 at the lower end (P10) to $92,987 at the higher end (P90), those specializing in fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can expect to receive a substantial premium for their expertise. These salary figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, present a clear picture of the earning capabilities for surgical technologists in this area. As medical specialties evolve, the potential for higher salaries tied to advanced surgical techniques and certifications becomes increasingly prevalent, making Oak Ridge an intriguing option for surgical technologists.
About the Oak Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,924 | $21.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,834 | $24.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,881 | $29.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,944 | $36.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,987 | $44.70 |
Median Salary Position
9.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Ridge
In Oak Ridge, TN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,063 (2026 est.). At $61,881, the local median is 9.19% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Ridge Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Oak Ridge median: $61,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $63,080 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -9.19% less |
Surgical Technologists in Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $61,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.19% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $63,080.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Ridge has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oak Ridge, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $61,881 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,408 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,863
2025 BLS Actual
$58,711
2026 Current Est.
$61,881
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,143 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,072 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,042 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,711 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,223 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Ridge metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,863 (2019) to $58,711 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,223 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,360 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Ridge 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) | $43,924 – $51,834 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,834 – $61,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,881 – $74,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,944 – $92,987 |
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 Oak Ridge
Considering the local job market, there are currently six surgical technologists employed in Oak Ridge, TN. Given the cost of living index of 91.8—well below the national average—these professionals benefit from a more favorable purchasing power compared to areas with higher living costs. Top employers in Oak Ridge include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, where salaries are often reflective of the specific surgical fields and additional responsibilities such as call coverage or advanced certifications, like those in robotic surgery. The spread in salaries can significantly increase for surgical technologists who step into roles with greater responsibility or who travel for assignments. Focusing on obtaining certifications, particularly in high-demand areas like robotic surgery or surgical first assistant roles, alongside seeking out positions in specialized surgical centers, can strategically enhance pay in Oak Ridge's market.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Oak Ridge?
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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 $58,711 for surgical technologistsin the Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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