Surgical Technologist Salary in Smyrna, TN: $63,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Smyrna, TN earns a median $63,752/year (≈ $30.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $69,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Certified surgical technologists in Smyrna, TN, are projected to earn an annual median salary of $63,752 in 2026, reflecting a competitive local pay scale that is approximately 6.44% lower than the national median of $68,141. The salary range for surgical technologists in Smyrna varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $45,127 (P10) and experienced roles reaching up to $93,436 (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, adjusted for regional cost factors, show that the local job market is robust but also reveals notable competition. The increasing demand for advanced surgical technologies, including robotic surgery, is likely contributing to potential salary enhancements for certified professionals in this specialty area.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,127 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,322 | $25.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,752 | $30.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,221 | $38.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,436 | $44.92 |
Median Salary Position
6.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,309 (2026 est.). At $63,752, the local median is 6.44% below the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $63,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $63,059 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.44% less |
Surgical Technologists in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $63,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.44% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $63,059.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna 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.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,752 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,447 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,189
2025 BLS Actual
$60,486
2026 Current Est.
$63,752
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,189 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,404 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,356 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,706 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,395 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,486 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,195 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,189 (2019) to $60,486 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,195 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,006 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $45,127 – $53,322 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,322 – $63,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,752 – $79,221 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,221 – $93,436 |
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 Smyrna
Employment trends in Smyrna indicate that there are currently 12 surgical technologists engaged in this market, suggesting a concentrated job environment that may lead to further opportunities for specialization and career advancement. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, the relative affordability of Smyrna may enhance the purchasing power of surgical technologists, making local salaries more appealing to new entrants. Among the top employers, hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities tend to offer the most lucrative packages, especially for those with certifications in robotics or advanced specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Factors such as call coverage, travel assignments, and roles that involve surgical first assisting can drive pay disparities. To maximize salary potential, surgical technologists in Smyrna should consider acquiring additional certifications, particularly in robotic surgery, and seek employment in high-demand surgical specialties that offer premium compensation.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Smyrna?
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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 $60,486 for surgical technologistsin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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