Average Surgical Technologists Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Surgical Technologists in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area earn an average annual salary of $58,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,260, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the lower salary indicates a less competitive market for these specialized healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,110.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA region supports a local workforce of 280 Surgical Technologists, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 1.038. The Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies a concentration of these roles that is 40% higher than the national average. This indicates a robust local demand and a specialized job market that may offer consistent opportunities for skilled professionals within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-11.7%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,125
$4,877
Surgical Technologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Chattanooga is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Surgical Technologists in the region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, advancements in surgical procedures, and inflation likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, even if local averages currently trail the national benchmark.
Surgical Technologists Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Experience plays a significant role in the earning potential of Surgical Technologists. Entry-level positions typically offer salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, from the 25th to the 75th percentile and beyond, clearly signify the career progression and increased earning capacity available as one advances in their surgical technologist career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,950 | $23.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $43,890 | $21.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,160 | $27 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $73,150 | $35.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $73,110 | $35.1 |
Detailed Surgical Technologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,520 for Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses without significant strain compared to higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
1.038
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Chattanooga, TN-GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Surgical Technologists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.4, Chattanooga, TN-GA demonstrates a higher concentration of Surgical Technologists than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially more competitive job market where employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from. While this concentration indicates demand, it also means that job seekers might face more competition for available positions compared to areas with a lower Location Quotient.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surgical Technologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton, GA Surgical Technologists Salary | $60,610↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Surgical Technologists Salary | $55,010↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Surgical Technologists Salary | $51,740↓ 12% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Surgical Technologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surgical Technologists make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $58,520. This typically ranges from $47,950 for entry-level positions to $73,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 11.7% lower than the national median of $66,260.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Surgical Technologists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary for Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga is below the national average. The higher concentration of these roles suggests a specialized market, but not necessarily one that offers premium compensation.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Surgical Technologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Dalton, GA ($60,610) and Rome, GA.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 280 Surgical Technologists indicates a moderately sized professional community. While not a massive pool, it suggests a stable presence and ongoing need for these roles within the Chattanooga healthcare system.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.4 mean for Surgical Technologists?
A Location Quotient of 1.4 means that Surgical Technologists are 40% more concentrated in Chattanooga, TN-GA than the national average. This points to a specialized local demand for this profession.
Are there many job openings for Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga?
With 1.038 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate of openings is slightly above the national average, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high number of opportunities for Surgical Technologists in the area.
How does Chattanooga's cost of living compare to other areas?
Chattanooga's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services, including housing, is comparable to the typical U.S. city.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.038 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Surgical Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA