Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Rome, GA: $85,690 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Rome, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,690/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Rome's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,041 in average-cost America. The 60% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the top-tier salaries for senior surgical technologists in Rome, Georgia, are projected to be quite attractive, with the potential for experienced professionals to earn anywhere from $38,524 to a striking $85,690 annually. This level of compensation represents a significant gap between the median annual salary of $53,649 and the highest earnings, underscoring the experience premium available in this market. Achieving entry to the top salary bracket often requires not just years of experience but also specialization in high-demand surgical fields, such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where complexity and skill lead to heightened compensation. Those who aim for roles in advanced surgical technologies, including robotic surgery certifications, will find their skills in demand, further bolstering their earning potential in Rome's healthcare landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rome
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Rome earn between $70,239 and $85,690 per year (2026 est.). This $47,166 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rome median of $53,649 sits 21.27% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Rome | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $53,649 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,239 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,690 | $102,175 |
In Rome, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 59.72% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Rome
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $53,649 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rome employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Rome command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,239–$85,690 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rome metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Rome with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Rome
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRome ranks #28 of 39 Georgia cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $85,690).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Rome ($85,690) is 1.89% below the Georgia average P90 ($87,339).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,470
2025 BLS Actual
$81,300
2026 Current Est.
$85,690
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rome (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,885 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,690 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,317 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Rome saw their compensation grow 28.1% from $63,470 in 2019 to $81,300 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $90,317 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Rome
Factors influencing senior surgical technologist pay in GA include the types of employers and specific specializations that command premium salaries. For instance, professionals working in hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers related to cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgeries often earn more than those in general practices. Additionally, the role of travel surgical technologists, who may see varied pay scales based on demand and locations, reflects another avenue for higher earnings. Leadership positions—such as becoming an OR supervisor or a surgical first assistant (CSFA)—also present opportunities for growth and increased remuneration. Furthermore, credentials like the CST and advanced training through CAAHEP-accredited programs can enhance earning capabilities. Non-salary compensation considerations, including specialty training stipends and call coverage payments, frequently serve as additional motivators for experienced surgical technologists seeking to thrive in Rome, GA.
More salary data for Rome, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Rome in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Rome?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Rome?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Rome?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Rome?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $81,300 for surgical technologists in the Rome metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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