worthsay

Surgical Technology Salary in Tennessee: Is It a Good Career?

Tennessee · 2026 BLS salary data

Surgical Technology pay in Tennessee

The median wage is $60,530/yr — 6% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Tennesseeranks #42 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Tennessee

Real BLS state-level figures for Surgical Technology.

Median salary
$60,530/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$51,310 – $64,430
National median
$64,650/yr
Employed in Tennessee
3,310

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Tennessee

Salary alone can mislead — Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
91.9
Nominal median
$60,530
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $65,865
State income tax
None

Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #34 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #42 on raw salary.

Tennessee levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do surgical technology professionals make in Tennessee?

The median annual wage is $60,530 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $51,310 and $64,430. That's 6% below the national median.

Is Tennessee a good state for surgical technology?

By raw pay, Tennessee ranks #42 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $65,865. Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #34 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #42 on raw salary. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are surgical technology professionals in demand in Tennessee?

About 3,310 people work in this field in Tennessee (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +4.5% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Surgical Technology nationally — Tennessee pay is 6% below the national median. See the full Surgical Technology career guide →

The verdict

Yes as an affordable entry into the operating room — surgical technology offers decent pay from a short program and steady demand. Pay plateaus and the OR environment is high-pressure, so many use it as a foothold into nursing or other clinical roles.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Decent pay from a short program (1-2 years)
  • Steady, recession-resistant demand
  • Front-row role in surgery
  • Foothold toward nursing or other clinical paths
  • Clean, structured clinical setting

Cons

  • Pay plateaus fairly quickly
  • High-pressure operating-room environment
  • Long shifts, on-call, standing for hours
  • Limited advancement without more schooling
  • Exposure to intense clinical situations

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting a quick entry into surgical care
  • Those comfortable in high-stakes settings
  • Anyone using it as a step toward nursing

✗ Probably not if…

  • People wanting high pay or a steep ladder
  • Those who struggle in high-pressure environments

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Surgical Technology is worth it — titles link to the original threads.