How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technologists earn a median salary of $64,650/year in the United States. Most positions require Bachelor's degree. The highest-paying states include Hawaii, Oregon, California.
Where Surgical Technologists have the most money left over after rent
Median pay minus estimated federal + state + FICA taxes, minus 12 months of rent at HUD's 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent. Darker green means more money left over each year. Hover any state for the breakdown.
View map data as a table
| State | Median (nominal) | Rent/mo (2BR) | Left after rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $80K | $1,643 | $45K |
| Minnesota | $80K | $1,384 | $44K |
| Idaho | $73K | $1,136 | $43K |
| Nevada | $75K | $1,501 | $43K |
| New Hampshire | $75K | $1,528 | $43K |
| Wisconsin | $74K | $1,202 | $43K |
| Washington | $77K | $1,830 | $41K |
| Oregon | $81K | $1,555 | $40K |
| Rhode Island | $74K | $1,544 | $40K |
| Connecticut | $80K | $1,679 | $40K |
| Arizona | $72K | $1,437 | $40K |
| Indiana | $64K | $1,144 | $38K |
| New York | $80K | $1,917 | $38K |
| North Dakota | $62K | $1,034 | $38K |
| South Dakota | $60K | $1,017 | $38K |
| Nebraska | $64K | $1,113 | $37K |
| Ohio | $62K | $1,188 | $37K |
| Texas | $65K | $1,415 | $37K |
| Wyoming | $59K | $1,008 | $37K |
| Missouri | $61K | $1,097 | $36K |
| Oklahoma | $61K | $1,081 | $36K |
| Tennessee | $61K | $1,215 | $36K |
| Colorado | $76K | $1,832 | $36K |
| Iowa | $61K | $1,064 | $35K |
| Kansas | $61K | $1,066 | $35K |
| Kentucky | $60K | $1,110 | $35K |
| Michigan | $63K | $1,272 | $35K |
| Montana | $61K | $1,129 | $35K |
| New Jersey | $77K | $2,067 | $35K |
| Hawaii | $83K | $2,240 | $34K |
| Illinois | $65K | $1,407 | $34K |
| Maine | $63K | $1,281 | $34K |
| Pennsylvania | $63K | $1,351 | $34K |
| South Carolina | $62K | $1,263 | $34K |
| Arkansas | $57K | $1,021 | $34K |
| District of Columbia | $78K | $2,146 | $33K |
| Georgia | $64K | $1,434 | $33K |
| Massachusetts | $81K | $2,347 | $33K |
| North Carolina | $61K | $1,284 | $33K |
| Utah | $63K | $1,350 | $33K |
| Virginia | $68K | $1,646 | $33K |
| Delaware | $62K | $1,448 | $32K |
| Florida | $62K | $1,658 | $32K |
| Louisiana | $57K | $1,191 | $32K |
| Maryland | $69K | $1,795 | $32K |
| California | $81K | $2,471 | $32K |
| Vermont | $61K | $1,498 | $31K |
| New Mexico | $52K | $1,119 | $29K |
| West Virginia | $49K | $1,008 | $28K |
| Mississippi | $50K | $1,077 | $27K |
| Alabama | $49K | $1,085 | $26K |
Education and training
Surgical tech programs are typically 12-24 month certificate or associate degree programs at community colleges or technical schools. Coursework covers surgical anatomy, sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, anesthesia basics, wound closure, and patient safety. Clinical rotations require performing a minimum of 120 surgical cases across multiple specialties.
The credential requirement has been tightening. Many hospitals now require graduation from a CAAHEP-accredited program and passage of the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) exam, even though state licensure requirements remain minimal.
The clinical phase requires logging a minimum of 120 cases across general surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics/gynecology, otolaryngology, neurosurgery, and other specialties. Many programs also require proficiency in specific skills: opening sterile supplies, performing sponge and instrument counts, preparing medications on the sterile field, and handling surgical specimens.
Licensing and certification
Most states do not license surgical techs, but national certification (CST through NBSTSA) is increasingly expected by employers. The CST exam requires graduation from an accredited program and covers perioperative patient care, surgical procedures, and sterilization. Recertification every 4 years requires 60 CE credits or re-examination.
A few states (including Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and others) have enacted or proposed surgical tech licensure legislation. The trend is toward more regulation.
What the day-to-day looks like
You set up the sterile field, arrange surgical instruments, pass instruments to the surgeon during operations, hold retractors, cut sutures, and prepare specimens for pathology. Before the case, you verify the instrument count, check equipment, and confirm patient identity. After the case, you count instruments and sponges (a missing sponge is a "never event" that can end careers).
Specialties vary in pace and intensity: orthopedic cases involve heavy equipment and physical strength; cardiac cases are long (4-8 hours) and high-stakes; ophthalmic cases require fine motor precision. Most surgical techs develop a specialty preference and try to get assigned to their preferred service.
Sterile technique is absolute. You scrub your hands and arms for 3-5 minutes before every case, gown and glove without contaminating anything, and maintain the sterile field throughout the procedure. Breaking sterile technique, even accidentally touching something unsterile, requires re-scrubbing and sometimes re-setting the entire field. The discipline becomes second nature, but early in training it's intensely stressful. Some of the most experienced surgical techs describe a state of focused calm during complex cases, a deep engagement that makes hours pass without notice.
Career progression
Surgical tech → first assistant (requires additional training) → lead tech → OR educator → surgical services manager. The first assistant role adds $5,000-$15,000/year and involves deeper participation in the surgical procedure, suturing, tissue handling, and hemostasis.
Many surgical techs use the OR experience as a launching pad for PA school, nursing (with OR specialization), or surgical device company roles (training surgeons on new equipment).
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $83K | 290 |
| Oregon | $81K | 1,090 |
| California | $81K | 11,920 |
| Massachusetts | $81K | 2,220 |
| Alaska | $80K | 310 |
| Minnesota | $80K | 1,770 |
| Connecticut | $80K | 1,220 |
| New York | $80K | 6,540 |
| District of Columbia | $78K | 340 |
| Washington | $77K | 2,510 |
Where the jobs are
The highest-paying state for surgical technologistss is Hawaii at $82,640/year, that's $17,990 above the national median. But higher pay often comes with higher costs. Before assuming the top-paying state is the best financial move, check the full affordability breakdown for Hawaii.
The pay gap between the highest and lowest-paying states is $33,530. That spread sounds dramatic, but cost-of-living differences offset much of it. A surgical technologists making $49,110 in West Virginia may have more purchasing power than one making $82,640 in Hawaii if rent and local prices differ enough.
By employment volume, the states with the most surgical technologists jobs are California (11,920 workers), Texas (10,160 workers), Florida (9,120 workers). High employment numbers mean more job openings, more employer competition for talent, and usually more leverage when negotiating salary. States with fewer workers in the field may pay less but also have less competition for positions.
For the full state-by-state comparison with salary percentiles, cost-of-living adjustment, and rent affordability for surgical technologistss, see the complete salary data page.
Salary negotiation
Specialty experience is the primary lever. A tech with 3+ years in cardiovascular, neurosurgery, or robotic-assisted surgery cases is significantly more valuable than a generalist. Call availability (willingness to come in for emergency cases at 2am) commands premium pay, call pay plus time-and-a-half when activated can add $8,000-$15,000/year.
What the data doesn't tell you
Surgical techs are invisible to patients (you meet them after they're sedated) but essential to surgical outcomes. The career offers front-row access to the most advanced medical procedures happening in medicine. For people who thrive in high-stakes, detail-oriented environments and don't need public-facing recognition, it's a strong fit.
See the full salary picture
Percentile breakdown, cost of living, rent burden, and purchasing power for surgical technologistss in every metro.
View Surgical Technologists salaries →Frequently asked questions
How much does a surgical technologists make?▼
The median surgical technologists salary in the United States is $64,650 per year ($31/hour). Entry-level positions start around $45,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,940.
What education do you need to become a surgical technologist?▼
Most surgical technologists positions require Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by state and employer. Check with your state's licensing board for specific requirements.
What is the job outlook for surgical technologists?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for surgical technologists.
What are the highest paying states for surgical technologists?▼
The highest paying states for surgical technologists are Hawaii ($82,640), Oregon ($81,390), California ($81,310), Massachusetts ($80,870), Alaska ($80,380). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.