🏥 Healthcare ↑ 7% growth · Faster than average

Surgical Technologist (Scrub Tech)

Surgical techs prepare the OR, arrange sterile instruments, and pass tools to surgeons during operations. They're in the room for open-heart surgeries, trauma cases, and C-sections. High-pressure, highly skilled, highly respected.

$54,330 Median Salary
116K US Jobs
12–24 months Training
$8,000–$25,000 Typical Cost

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$40,000
Median
$54,330
Experienced
$72,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

7%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
116K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
CST
Required Credential
CST (NBSTSA)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Surgical Technology Certificate or AAS
Program Length
12–24 months
Typical Tuition
$8,000–$25,000
Work Setting
Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, military
🏆 Credential Required: CST (NBSTSA)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Surgical Technologist (Scrub Tech) involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Hospitals environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🏫 Schools and programs related to Surgical Technologist (Scrub Tech)

USA Career Finder combines federal education datasets, state-approved training lists, workforce training provider lists, and licensing-board sources where available. Always confirm program availability, cost, admissions requirements, and licensing eligibility directly with the school.

Federal dataset match
Community College

Oakton College

📍 Des Plaines, IL
Award
Federal dataset match
Career College

Stautzenberger College-Maumee

📍 Maumee, OH
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Private College

ICOHS College

📍 San Diego, CA
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Career College

Stautzenberger College-Brecksville

📍 Brecksville, OH
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

📍 Minneapolis, MN
Award
Federal dataset match
Community College

Ivy Tech Community College

📍 Indianapolis, IN
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Northern Essex Community College

📍 Haverhill, MA
Award
Federal dataset match
Trade School

Healing Mountain Massage School

📍 Salt Lake City, UT
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Trade School

The Institute of Beauty and Wellness

📍 Milwaukee, WI
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Career College

Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College

📍 Rockford, IL
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Career College

Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

📍 Tempe, AZ
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

📍 Coon Rapids, MN
Certificate 2-4yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

Bucks County Community College

📍 Newtown, PA
Award
Federal dataset match
Trade School

Aveda Institute-Madison

📍 Madison, WI
Certificate 1-<2yr
Federal dataset match
Community College

College of Lake County

📍 Grayslake, IL
Certificate 2-4yr

🗺️ Surgical Technologist (Scrub Tech) by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

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