Salaries for surgical technicians can be quite different from state to state. In fact, the salary range for surgical technicians differs by more than $15,000 annually across the country. However, there is a catch when it comes to seeking the states in which you can earn the most in this profession. As you can imagine, surgical tech positions are in high demand in high paying states, which results in few job opportunities. In an age when job security is as good as gold, it pays to know where you can find the highest employment levels.
Tennessee currently promises the highest salary among states with the highest employment levels for this field. In Tennessee the salary of surgical assistants can average $37,490 annually. Its neighbor, Kentucky, is in the # 2 spot with an annually salary of $35,060.

This chart displays annual mean salaries for Surgical Technician in the U.S. The data was collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics OES - May 2008.
Alabama is 3rd, promising an average income of $32,660. Mississippi is 4th with an average salary of $32,232, and West Virginia is in the fifth slot with an average salary of $31,760.
Most of these salaries are significantly lower than those in the highest paying states, which range from approximately $45,000 to $50,000 annually. However, it’s important to consider cost of living when calculating how far your dollar will stretch. While these salaries are lower, they are also available in areas with high employment levels and low costs of living. Living in low-cost areas makes it easier to live comfortably within your means.
Related Charts for Surgical Technician Salaries:
Surgical Technician Pay Scale - All U.S. States
Surgical Technician Salaries - Popular Metropolitan Areas
Surgical Technician Salary Ranges - Popular Industries
The bar graph above shows the average surgical technician salary in states with the highest employment levels. The data is displayed below in table format:
| States | Mean Annual Wages |
| Tennessee | 37490 |
| Kentucky | 35060 |
| West Virginia | 31760 |
| Mississippi | 32120 |
| Alabama | 32660 |