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Surgical Technologist in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

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Georgia employs 4,380 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $64,010 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Surgical technologists Earn in Georgia (May 2025)

Georgia median pay: $64,010 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $40,390
Experienced (75th percentile): $78,410
Top earners (90th percentile): $84,040
Employed in Georgia: 4,380
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,830 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Georgia markets:

Atlanta metro: $67,570 (2,400 employed)
Savannah: $63,990 (270 employed)
Macon: $60,690 (130 employed)
Augusta: $60,300 (250 employed)
Columbus: $58,170 (120 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia

Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $64,010 median stretches to roughly $66,469 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)

Georgia is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +11.8%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Georgia License and Certification Requirements

CST certification — required by most Georgia hospitals, not by law — regulated by the No Georgia license or certification law — employer standard.

Georgia has no surgical tech law — but major systems require or strongly prefer CST certification.
Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program (9–24 months; Georgia technical colleges offer HOPE-eligible programs).
Pass the CST exam (NBSTSA).

Official requirements: No Georgia license or certification law — employer standard →

Training in Georgia

Atlanta's hospital growth keeps OR demand strong, and technical college programs are nearly free with HOPE Career Grant funding — one of the best cost-to-outcome ratios in Georgia healthcare.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:

Albany State University — Certificate / Associate
Albany Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Andrew College — Associate
Athens Technical College — Certificate / Associate

Where Surgical technologists Work in Georgia

Real Georgia surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:

Summit Endoscopy Center Newnan, LLC — Newnan
American Eye Surgery Center, Inc — Athens
West Metro Endoscopy Center, LLC — Douglasville
Dca Diagnostics, LLC — Lithia Springs
G.i. Endoscopy Center — Riverdale
Georgia Bmi Surgery Center — Atlanta

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.

Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.

Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.

First Steps

Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do surgical technologists make in Georgia?

The median wage for surgical technologists in Georgia is $64,010 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,390, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $84,040. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Georgia?

CST certification — required by most Georgia hospitals, not by law, overseen by the No Georgia license or certification law — employer standard. Georgia has no surgical tech law — but major systems require or strongly prefer CST certification.

Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Georgia?

Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.

Which Georgia metros pay surgical technologists the most?

Among Georgia metro areas, Atlanta metro leads at $67,570, followed by Savannah ($63,990), Macon ($60,690). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in Georgia?

Real Georgia options include Albany State University, Albany Technical College, Andrew College. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Georgia?

Georgia projects surgical technologists employment to change +11.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Georgia license or certification law — employer standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Georgia wages · Georgia licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.