Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $66,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Knoxville, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $66,855/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Knoxville's price premium (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $72,222 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Knoxville, experienced surgical technologists can anticipate a prominent compensation trajectory, with top earners in 2026 potentially earning as much as $66,855 annually. This figure reflects the opportunities available for those who have accrued considerable expertise and skill over a robust career, particularly those with more than seven years of experience in the field. The median salary for this role stands at $57,865, illustrating a significant gap that highlights the value of advanced experience and specialized skills. Climbing to the higher tiers of surgical technologist pay in Knoxville often requires not just time in the profession but also additional certifications and competencies, particularly in in-demand specialties that can offer an edge in this competitive landscape.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Knoxville
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Knoxville earn between $63,851 and $66,855 per year (2026 est.). This $16,664 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Knoxville median of $57,865 sits 15.08% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Knoxville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,865 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,851 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $66,855 | $102,175 |
In Knoxville, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 15.54% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Knoxville
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $57,865 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Knoxville employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Knoxville command premium compensation, often reaching the $63,851–$66,855 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Knoxville metro area, which is a large Surg Tech, CST employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Knoxville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive 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 Knoxville
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKnoxville ranks #29 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $66,855).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Knoxville ($66,855) is 17.71% below the Tennessee average P90 ($81,248).
2019 BLS Actual
$51,750
2025 BLS Actual
$63,430
2026 Current Est.
$66,855
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,465 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Knoxville saw their compensation grow 22.6% from $51,750 in 2019 to $63,430 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 $70,465 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Focusing on specialization can significantly enhance senior surgical technologist pay in Knoxville, especially for those working in areas like cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery. Each of these specialties typically commands higher compensation due to the complexity and skill required. Additionally, the nature of the employing institution can influence wages. Those employed in hospital operating rooms often earn more than their counterparts in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical centers. Opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a lead surgical tech or a surgical first assistant, can provide further financial incentives, particularly for those acquiring additional certifications such as CSFA. Furthermore, advanced credentials like CST and specialized training in robotic surgery can effectively enhance overall remuneration. Non-salary compensation factors, including call coverage or travel surgical tech rates, are significant considerations at this career level, making the pathway to a senior surgical technologist role particularly lucrative in the context of the growing healthcare market in Knoxville, TN.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Knoxville in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Knoxville?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Knoxville?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Knoxville?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Knoxville?
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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 $63,430 for surgical technologists in the Knoxville 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, 7-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