Surgical Technologist Salary in Shelbyville, TN: $60,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Shelbyville, TN earns a median $60,366/year (≈ $29.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Shelbyville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $65,758 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As of 2026, surgical technologists in Shelbyville, Tennessee, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $60,366. This figure is notably lower than the national median salary of $68,141, reflecting a salary spread that ranges from $45,169 at the 10th percentile to $85,062 at the 90th percentile. With local estimates rooted in BLS state-level data and adjusting for regional living costs, it’s clear that those specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery can expect to command a significant premium over general surgical roles. The competitive nature of these specialties not only enhances earning potential but also impacts the overall job market within Shelbyville.
About the Shelbyville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,169 | $21.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,866 | $24.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,366 | $29.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,441 | $34.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,062 | $40.90 |
Median Salary Position
11.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shelbyville
In Shelbyville, TN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,893 (2026 est.). At $60,366, the local median is 11.41% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shelbyville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shelbyville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Shelbyville median: $60,366/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shelbyville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $63,078 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -11.41% less |
Surgical Technologists in Shelbyville, TN earn a median of $60,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $63,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shelbyville 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.
Shelbyville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $60,366 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,758 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,789
2025 BLS Actual
$57,273
2026 Current Est.
$60,366
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,789 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,038 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,992 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,575 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,931 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,273 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,625 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shelbyville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $42,789 (2019) to $57,273 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,625 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,836 (48.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shelbyville 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) | $45,169 – $51,866 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,866 – $60,366 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,366 – $72,441 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,441 – $85,062 |
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 Shelbyville
The local job market shows potential, with four surgical technologists currently employed in Shelbyville. The cost of living index sits at 91.8, suggesting that salaries in the area, while lower than the national average, might stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities are the primary employers where wages can slightly vary based on specialty focus. Surgical technologists may find opportunities to increase their salary through advanced certifications, focusing on robotic surgery or gaining experience in trauma centers, both of which tend to provide higher pay scales and stipends. By understanding local dynamics and positioning themselves in in-demand specializations, surgical technologists can maximize their earning potential in Shelbyville, TN.
More salary data for Shelbyville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Shelbyville, TN in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Shelbyville?
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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 $57,273 for surgical technologistsin the Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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