Surgical Technologist Salary Guide (2025)
Surgical technologists — the allied health professionals who prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, and assist surgeons during procedures — play a critical role in America's healthcare system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median annual wage of $57,800 for surgical technologists. With experience and certification, earnings climb well into the $70,000–$85,000 range.
Surgical Technologist Salary by State (2025)
| State | Annual Mean Wage | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $79,290 | $38.12 |
| Nevada | $74,150 | $35.65 |
| Alaska | $73,840 | $35.50 |
| Washington | $71,620 | $34.43 |
| Hawaii | $70,930 | $34.10 |
| Massachusetts | $69,840 | $33.58 |
| Oregon | $68,410 | $32.89 |
| New York | $67,820 | $32.61 |
| Minnesota | $65,910 | $31.69 |
| Colorado | $64,370 | $30.95 |
| Arizona | $62,840 | $30.21 |
| Connecticut | $65,120 | $31.31 |
| Texas | $58,640 | $28.19 |
| Florida | $55,820 | $26.84 |
| Illinois | $60,910 | $29.29 |
| Ohio | $55,230 | $26.55 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,840 | $27.33 |
| Georgia | $54,120 | $26.02 |
| Virginia | $59,740 | $28.72 |
| North Carolina | $53,680 | $25.81 |
| Tennessee | $52,410 | $25.20 |
| Michigan | $56,190 | $27.01 |
| Mississippi | $48,910 | $23.52 |
| Alabama | $51,640 | $24.83 |
| New Jersey | $65,430 | $31.46 |
Surgical Tech Salary by Experience and Certification
| Level | Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Surgical Tech (0–2 years) | $42,000 – $52,000 | Completing competencies under supervision |
| Mid-Level Surgical Tech (3–6 years) | $52,000 – $65,000 | CST certified, scrubbing independently |
| Senior Surgical Tech (7+ years) | $65,000 – $80,000 | Specialty training, relief charge role |
| First Assistant (CSFA) | $75,000 – $95,000 | Assists surgeon directly during procedures |
| Surgical Tech Educator | $65,000 – $82,000 | Program director or clinical coordinator |
What Surgical Technologists Do
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or scrub techs, are responsible for:
- Preparing the operating room — setting up instruments, equipment, and sterile draping
- Maintaining sterile technique throughout procedures
- Passing instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgical nurses
- Holding retractors and cutting sutures in some procedures
- Counting instruments and sponges before and after procedures
- Preparing specimens for laboratory analysis
- Cleaning and restocking the OR between cases
Education Pathways
Surgical technology programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and military training facilities. Most programs run 12–24 months and lead to an associate degree or diploma. The program includes:
- Surgical anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology and sterile technique
- Surgical procedures by specialty (orthopedic, cardiovascular, neuro, etc.)
- Clinical rotations in actual ORs (500+ hours minimum)
Job Outlook
The BLS projects 5% growth for surgical technologists through 2033. Demand is steady as outpatient surgical centers continue to expand and hospitals perform more procedures. The aging population is driving increasing demand for orthopedic, cardiovascular, and cataract surgeries — all requiring surgical tech support.
One underappreciated aspect of this career: trauma centers and large hospitals often offer 10–15% shift differentials for evening, overnight, and weekend OR call. A surgical tech willing to take call and work nights can earn significantly above the median.
See the Surgical Tech Career Guide for program accreditation and certification details.
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