Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Franklin, TN: $98,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Franklin, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,561/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $107,365 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For senior surgical technologists in Franklin, Tennessee, the potential for top-tier earnings is substantial. With the upper echelons of pay reaching $98,561 in 2026, professionals in this field can capitalize on their extensive experience. The median annual salary stands at $65,727, showcasing the significant gap to top earners, reflecting the experience premium for those with seven or more years of expertise. To reach these elite compensation levels, surgical technologists often need to seek out specializations and opportunities in advanced surgical fields and consider roles that offer additional responsibilities or supervisory positions.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $81,574 and $98,561 per year (2026 est.). This $50,253 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $65,727 sits 3.54% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,727 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,574 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,561 | $102,175 |
In Franklin, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 49.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $65,727 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,574–$98,561 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Tennessee 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 Franklin
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #2 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $98,561).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Franklin ($98,561) is 21.31% above the Tennessee average P90 ($81,248).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,874
2025 BLS Actual
$93,511
2026 Current Est.
$98,561
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,524 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,254 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,812 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,511 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,883 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $68,874 in 2019 to $93,511 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 $103,883 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Compensation among experienced surgical technologists can vary significantly based on the type of employer and area of specialization. Those who focus on high-demand sectors like cardiovascular surgery or robotic surgery, particularly with certifications like the da Vinci system, often command premium pay in Franklin. Senior surgical technologists can find varying compensation rates across settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Pathways for advancement, such as becoming a lead surgical tech or obtaining a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential, can further enhance earning potential. Advanced credentials, such as CST certification and leadership roles in settings like trauma centers or specialized clinics, are crucial for maximizing the senior surgical technologist pay in TN. Additionally, elements such as call coverage and travel surgical positions can provide further financial incentives beyond base salaries.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Franklin?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Franklin?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Franklin?
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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 $93,511 for surgical technologists in the Franklin 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
Salary data for Franklin 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