State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Surgical Technologist Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
Surgical Technologists earn a median of $64,650 per year ($31.08/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 4.5% through 2034, with about 7,000 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
SOC 29-2055Healthcare Practitioners and TechnicalLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $64,650
- Projected growth
- +4.5%
- Openings a year
- 7,000
- Typical education
- Certificate
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St), Operating Room Technician (OR Tech), Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech), Surgical Scrub Technician.
How much do Surgical Technologists make?
10th percentile$45,940
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$54,690
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$64,650
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$79,750
Upper quartile
90th percentile$96,940
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $64,650 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $31.08/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $68,710 |
| People employed | 117,460 |
Versus all US occupations
At $64,650, Surgical Technologists earn 27% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $13,670 a year.
Versus healthcare practitioners and technical occupations
Inside the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical group, where the middle occupation pays $97,870, this is 34% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $96,940 or more while the bottom 10% earn $45,940, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 50% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Hawaii posts the highest raw median ($82,640), but once local prices are taken into account Minnesota leads at $81,332 in national-average dollars.
Which states pay Surgical Technologists the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $82,640 | $75,161 | 290 |
| Oregon | $81,390 | $78,743 | 1,090 |
| California | $81,310 | $73,438 | 11,920 |
| Massachusetts | $80,870 | $76,468 | 2,220 |
| Alaska | $80,380 | $78,528 | 310 |
| Minnesota | $80,210 | $81,332 | 1,770 |
| Connecticut | $79,890 | $77,106 | 1,220 |
| New York | $79,550 | $73,711 | 6,540 |
| District of Columbia | $77,520 | $70,536 | 340 |
| Washington | $77,270 | $72,206 | 2,510 |
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career?
Surgical Technologists4.5%
All US occupations3.1%
+4.5% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Faster than average
BLS projects employment of Surgical Technologists to change 4.5% over 2024–2034, against 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 5,200 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 7,000 openings are projected each year, 6.1% of the 115,600 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The aging population is expected to increase the demand for surgical procedures, which should result in a greater need for surgical assistants and technologists. A rise in the number of surgeries among all age groups also is expected to support job growth.
Heightened demand for these workers is expected in outpatient settings, such as ambulatory surgery centers. These facilities are seeing an increase in the number of surgeries because of advances in medical technology and changes in insurers’ policies.
How to become a Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists typically hold a certificate or associate degree from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program and then pass the NBSTSA's CST examination. Most states do not license the occupation: certification is required by law in only some states, and is otherwise driven by employers, who commonly require or prefer it.
The credential path, step by step
- Complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology programVaries by program: certificate or associate degree
A certificate or associate degree from a community college, vocational school, university or hospital program. Coursework covers anatomy, microbiology and physiology alongside sterilisation technique, equipment set-up and infection control, plus supervised clinical experience.
- Establish eligibility with NBSTSA and pass the CST exam
Submit an application and fee so NBSTSA can confirm your program's accreditation status, then sit the four-hour exam. NBSTSA is the sole authority on eligibility, so confirm your program's status before you enroll, not after.
- Add CPR or basic life support certification
Many surgical technologist jobs require CPR certification, basic life support certification, or both, on top of the CST.
- Check the rules in the state where you will work
Some states regulate the work of surgical technologists and surgical assistants; most do not license the occupation at all. Contact the state licensing agency directly rather than assuming the national picture applies.
- Renew the CST on its cycle
Earn AST-approved continuing education credits inside the current cycle, submit them to AST for approval, then file the renewal application and fee with NBSTSA before your certification expires.
Exams you have to pass
Certified Surgical Technologist examination (CST)
A four-hour computer-based exam of 175 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which are scored; a score of 98 on the scored questions is a pass. Taken after graduating from an accredited surgical technology program, once NBSTSA has confirmed eligibility.
Administered by National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- Program accreditation
CAAHEP · Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
To be eligible to sit the CST examination you must graduate from a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or by ABHES. NBSTSA is the sole authority on eligibility and charges a processing fee to determine it.
- Program accreditation
ABHES · Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
The alternative accreditor accepted for CST eligibility. Graduates of an ABHES-accredited surgical technology program qualify to sit the exam on the same basis as CAAHEP graduates; military training programs are a separate eligibility pathway.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
Renewal is a two-step process: continuing education credits must be earned and approved through the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) first, then the renewal application and fee go to NBSTSA. Credits must be earned inside the current certification cycle and do not roll over; late renewals require CE earned before expiry or retaking the exam.
Licensing and state variation
Not a state license
Most states do not license surgical technologists, so there is no license to apply for in the way there is for a therapist or a PA. Some states do have laws regulating the work of surgical technologists and surgical assistants, and NBSTSA notes the CST is required by a number of states as well as being preferred or required by most employers nationwide. Because the rule is state law rather than a licensing board in most cases, check with the state licensing agency where you plan to work.
Who governs the credential
- National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) — The certifying body. Only a surgical technologist certified by NBSTSA may use the CST title. Its certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Credential detail for surgical technologists is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Assistants and Technologists (How to Become One) · checked August 23, 2026
- NBSTSA, CST Certification · checked August 23, 2026
- NBSTSA, CST Eligibility · checked August 23, 2026
- NBSTSA, Renewals & Recertification · checked August 23, 2026
- CAAHEP, caahep.org · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers.
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Some preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as surgical technologists.
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)40.6%
- Post-Secondary Certificate31.2%
- Some College Courses23.2%
- High School Diploma5.0%
What does a Surgical Technologist do?
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also called surgical first assistants, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.
Day-to-day tasks
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
- Operate, assemble, adjust, or monitor sterilizers, lights, suction machines, or diagnostic equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Clean and restock operating room, gathering and placing equipment and supplies and arranging instruments according to instructions, such as a preference card.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most surgical assistants and technologists work full time. Surgical assistants and technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
Where the work happens
- Indoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day
Physical demands
- On their feet more than half the working day
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Face-to-face discussions every day
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Mistakes carry very serious consequences
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where surgical technologists work
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 37% |
|---|---|
| Offices of dentists | 30% |
| Offices of physicians | 13% |
| Self-employed workers | 9% |
| Outpatient care centers | 4% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Monitoring3.8/5
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Speaking3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
- Learning Strategies3.0/5
- Writing2.9/5
Transferable skills
- Operations Monitoring3.3/5
- Coordination3.1/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
- Service Orientation3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Operation and Control3.0/5
Tools and software
- Medical software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
- Graphics or photo imaging software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Surgical Technologist?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary6.3
Investigative3.2
Artistic1.0
Socialprimary3.8
Enterprising1.6
Conventionalprimary4.8
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Surgical Technologist: frequently asked questions
How much do Surgical Technologists make?
Surgical Technologists earn a median of $64,650 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 27% above the $50,980 US median across all occupations. That works out at $31.08/hr. The middle half earn between $54,690 and $79,750. The top 10% earn $96,940 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Surgical Technologist?
Not a degree, but you do need credentialed training: BLS lists a postsecondary non-degree award (a certificate or license program) as the typical entry route for Surgical Technologists. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 40.6% hold associate's degree (or other 2-year degree).
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.5% over 2024–2034, faster than the 3.1% average for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 7,000 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Surgical Technologist do?
Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. A core O*NET task: prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure. Employers most often ask for Medical software, Office suite software, Operating system software.
Which states pay Surgical Technologists the most?
The highest state medians for Surgical Technologists are Hawaii ($82,640), Oregon ($81,390), California ($81,310) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Minnesota moves to the top at $81,332.
What personality type suits a Surgical Technologist?
O*NET scores Surgical Technologists highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Social interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ISTJ, ISFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
Do you need a license to work as a Surgical Technologist?
Not a state license. Most states do not license surgical technologists, so there is no license to apply for in the way there is for a therapist or a PA. Some states do have laws regulating the work of surgical technologists and surgical assistants, and NBSTSA notes the CST is required by a number of states as well as being preferred or required by most employers nationwide. Because the rule is state law rather than a licensing board in most cases, check with the state licensing agency where you plan to work.
What exams and certifications apply to a Surgical Technologist?
The CST (Certified Surgical Technologist examination). A four-hour computer-based exam of 175 multiple-choice questions, 150 of which are scored; a score of 98 on the scored questions is a pass. Taken after graduating from an accredited surgical technology program, once NBSTSA has confirmed eligibility.