How to Become a Surgical Technician – Salary & Requirements for 2025

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Surgeries and other major medical procedures are never a one-man job for surgeons. They typically involve an entire operating room team that consists of various medical practitioners and healthcare professionals. One essential member of the surgical team is the surgical technician.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many surgical techs to leave healthcare, resulting in a critical shortage of positions. In fact, an increasing percentage of leaders in ambulatory surgery centers reported a growing number of open positions, from 22% in 2020 and 28% in 2021 to 42% in 2022. More than one-third (37%) of these leaders reported an increase in surgical tech turnover and 58% of them are finding it more difficult to hire new surgical techs in 2022 (OR Manager, 2022).

This guide will provide you with all the information you need on how to become a surgical tech. Experts at Research.com have provided the relevant data, including the requirements for scrub tech schooling, how long surgery tech schooling will take, and the profession’s salary outlook.

How to Become a Surgical Technician Table of Contents

What is a surgical technician?
Steps on How to Become a Surgical Tech
Surgical Tech Requirements
Why become a surgical technician?
Surgical Technician Salary Outlook
What are the educational advancements for career growth in healthcare?
How can professional networking and mentorship impact your career success?
What are the challenges surgical technicians face on the job?
How can emerging healthcare technologies enhance your surgical tech career?
Can interdisciplinary education accelerate your career growth?
Could an advanced Pharm D degree online expand your career horizons?
What are the alternative career opportunities for surgical technicians?
What are the benefits of exploring related careers in the healthcare industry?
How do regulatory and administrative shifts influence your surgical tech career?
Can supplemental certifications further elevate your career path?
How does a career in surgical technology compare to related careers?

What is a surgical technician?

Before discussing how to become a surgical tech, it is important to know what exactly a surgical technician is and what the job entails.

Surgical techs are trained medical professionals who perform important tasks before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery. Before surgery, for example, they help prepare the operating room and make sure all the necessary pieces of equipment are there. During surgery, they assist the surgeons by handing them sterile instruments when they need them. And after surgery, they clear and clean the instruments and make sure each one is accounted for.

Surgical techs are a common presence in hospitals and other health-related institutions. In 2021, there were about 110,700 surgical technologists employed in various healthcare institutions in the United States.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a surgical technician?

Surgical techs work in the operating room (OR). Their common tasks and responsibilities can be divided into three stages:

Preoperative (before surgery)
Intraoperative (during surgery)
Postoperative (after surgery)

Preoperative Duties

Before the surgery, a surgical tech’s duties focus on preparation, which includes:

Sterilizing the surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies, including the drapes, gowns, gloves, and suction tubing
Making sure all tools and equipment are properly working
Sterilizing and setting up the operating room
Helping prepare the patient for surgery, including performing the skin prep of the incision site
Assembling and arranging the surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies needed for the surgery
Helping the surgeons put on their gowns and gloves
Assisting the surgeon in placing sterile drapes and creating a sterile field on the patient.

Intraoperative Duties

During the surgery, a surgical tech’s duties focus more on assisting the surgeon, including:

Passing the surgical tools and instruments to the surgeon or the surgeon’s assistant as they need them
Providing the necessary supplies, including solutions and medications
Keeping the OR sterile
Receiving tissue specimens from the patient to be passed off to the circulator
Ensuring that there are no breaks in the sterile protocol in order to prevent any form of infection.

Postoperative Duties

After the surgery, a surgical tech’s duties focus on wrapping up the procedure, which includes:

Counting all of the surgical tools and instruments and making sure everything is accounted for
Disposing of used gauze and needles
Applying dressings to the surgical site
Maintaining the sterile environment of the OR until the patient is wheeled to the recovery room

Subspecialties for Surgical Technicians

Most surgical techs work in general surgery or support doctors in different surgical areas. But more and more surgical techs are choosing to specialize in a particular field of medicine. Having a subspecialty typically requires additional training and certification.

Some of these specialized surgical techs include:

Cardiovascular surgical techs. They specialize in heart surgeries and work with cardiovascular surgeons.
Neurosurgical techs. They work under the supervision of neurosurgeons in specialized surgeries and procedures involving the brain, spine, and the rest of the nervous system.
Obstetric and gynecological surgical techs. OB/GYN technicians assist doctors and nurses during delivery, Cesarean sections, and other procedures related to the female reproductive system.
Orthopedic surgical technologists. They support orthopedic surgeons during orthopedic surgeries and assist in applying and removing casts and certain traction equipment.
Cosmetic or reconstructive surgical techs. They help prepare patients for reconstructive or plastic surgery, as well as prepare all the tools, instruments, and equipment that the cosmetic surgeon will need.
Ear/nose/throat or ENT surgical tech. They help ENT doctors and nurses before, during, and after surgeries and medical procedures that involve the ears, nose, and throat.
Pediatric surgical techs. They help pediatric surgeons and other specialty doctors before, during, and after procedures involving children.
Urological surgical techs. They work under the direction of doctors and nurses during urological procedures, including catheterization and endoscopy.

Surgical techs work in various healthcare settings, mostly in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physician’s offices.

Steps on How to Become a Surgical Tech

If you want to know how to become a surgical tech, here’s a simple step-by-step guide. It’s never too early to plan how you will go about it.

Step 1: Apply to an accredited surgical technology program.

Many vocational schools, community colleges, and even universities and hospitals offer a surgical technology certificate or associate degree program for high school graduates.

Step 2: Complete the academic requirements for surgical tech.

You need to comply with the surgical technologist schooling requirements to earn a certification or associate’s degree.

Step 3: Complete the hands-on clinical requirements for surgical tech.

Before you get your diploma or associate’s degree, your surgical tech program will also require you to get hands-on experience in clinical care.

Step 4: Pass the certified surgical technologist exam

Pass the certification exam for surgical tech so you can boost your career options and increase your earning potential.

How long does it take to become a surgical tech?

Do you want to become a surgical technician and are wondering, “How long is schooling for a surgical tech going to be?" Surgical tech programs actually vary, but many full-time students complete an associate degree in surgical technology in two years. An associate degree program covers general education, theoretical concepts, and foundational knowledge in surgical practices and principles. In addition to classroom learning, students also need hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings through internships or practicums before they graduate.

However, if you want to know how to become a surgical tech the fastest way possible, you can get a post-secondary surgical technician certificate or diploma instead. So how long is schooling for surgical tech certificate? You can complete a certification or diploma program in as short as 12 to 15 months. This program covers specialized education and training.

Surgical Tech Requirements

Before you can pursue a career as a surgical technician, you must complete surgical tech requirements. Among those, you will need schooling or education, training, and certification. You will also need to develop some essential skills to perform the job well.

Education and Training

Schooling for scrub tech means a certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology. This program should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). And schools for surgical technicians include community colleges, junior colleges, vocational schools, universities, hospitals, and even military institutions that offer these accredited programs.

To gain acceptance into a surgical tech program, you will need your high school diploma. If you want to know how to become a surgical tech or whether it is even possible to become one if you didn’t finish secondary education, all you have to do is take a General Educational Development Test (GED). A GED credential is a high school equivalency diploma and you can get accepted into a surgical tech program with it.

Surgical technology programs cover both classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. In the classroom, you will study medical terminology and take up relevant subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and ethics. You will also learn about specific surgical procedures, perioperative patient care, patient safety, and sterile/aseptic techniques. If you are seeking an associate degree, you also need to complete various general education courses.

Before you graduate from the surgical tech program and earn your diploma or degree, you will also be required to complete an internship or practicum, which provides you with the necessary hands-on clinical training. In this clinical setting, you will get to experience setting up robotic or technical equipment and actually help prevent and control infections during medical procedures.

License and Certification

Getting certified or getting a license is not a requirement how to become a surgical tech in most states. However, more and more employers prefer hiring certified surgical techs.

The most common way to get certified is to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential after you graduate. This exam is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). It consists of 175 questions and you need to get at least a 70% score to pass.

You need to renew your CST certification every two years (instead of the previous four). And within this two-year period of practicing as a certified surgical tech, you need a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits. This continuing education will ensure that you are up-to-date with the dynamic and ever-changing medical technologies and procedures to remain competitive in your practice. Failing to complete this continuing education requirement means having to retake the certification exam.

Another option is to earn a certification through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Passing this certification exam will give you the title Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C).

Many surgical tech jobs also require certification in basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or both.

How to Become a Surgical Tech: Skills and Qualities Required

Most surgical techs work in hospitals, which are generally well-lit and cool environments. However, when they are in the operating room, they will work under warm surgical lights in warm sterile gowns and gloves. Surgical techs and the other members of the OR team need to work together while standing for long periods and stay alert during the entire procedure. They will also be exposed to unpleasant sights and smells, as well as to communicable diseases.

As such, for you to become an effective surgical tech, you need to have or to develop these qualities and skills:

Ability to work well under stressful situations and respond calmly yet quickly to emergencies
Ability to work well in a team setting
Positive interpersonal skills
Good communication and comprehension skills
Physical stamina and ability to stand, sit, stoop, or bend for hours at a time in one location with zero to minimum breaks.
Ability to lift heavy equipment and assist in moving or positioning unconscious patients.
Ability to manipulate instruments, equipment, and supplies with dexterity and speed
Excellent eye-hand coordination, especially in using assistive devices.
Ability to make decisions based on proper judgment.

Moreover, you need to have sufficient visual ability to load a fine suture into a needle and good peripheral vision so as to function and anticipate needs while you are in a sterile surgical environment. You also need to have a sharp hearing so you could hear and understand muffled voices behind surgical masks and from several feet away.

Additionally, you need to be highly organized, conscientious, and proactive, especially in handling the busy and chaotic environment of the operating room. All these requirements will determine the answer to your query, “How long does it take to become a surgical tech?"

Why become a surgical technician?

Before learning how to become a surgical tech, it is important that you examine and understand the why. And there are many different reasons why a career as a surgical tech is worth considering.

Job Stability and Employment Growth

Jobs in the healthcare industry are in high demand. The industry also offers job stability. This comes as no surprise since there will always be people in need of medical care and treatment. This does not exempt surgical techs.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of surgical techs and surgical assistants is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. It foresees around 9,600 openings for both occupations over this 10-year period. Many of these openings result from current surgical techs and assistants retiring and exiting the labor force, or shifting to other occupations. It is, however, important to note that the employment growth rate for surgeons is slower compared to other healthcare professionals, such as those in dialysis technician role whose job growth is projected to be at 12% between 2018 and 2028 (Zippia, n.d.).

Moreover, the advancements in medical technology have made and will continue to make medical procedures and surgeries safer and more routine as a treatment option for injuries and various illnesses. There is also a large aging population that consists of baby boomers who usually require more medical interventions and treatment procedures like knee and hip replacements. As such, the need for surgical techs and surgical assistants will continue to increase.

Career Growth Opportunities

A career as a surgical tech gives you plenty of room to grow. Your invaluable experience in the operating room and in a clinical setting serves as a great foundation for a more advanced medical role and for the opportunity to earn a higher income.

For example, you can use that as a stepping stone toward earning a nursing degree to become a surgical nurse. You can take a bridge program that would eventually qualify you to work as an RN and prepare all your necessities for nursing school. And if you want to move higher up the nursing ladder, you can complete a nurse practitioner accelerated program.

You can also specialize and complete a graduate program. For instance, you can get an online masters speech pathology if you want to help patients with speech disorders. Or maybe become a certified nurse anesthetist if you want to prescribe and administer anesthesia and pain relief medications.

One other option is to branch out from being an RN into hospital administrative work. You can do that by completing a masters of nursing administration.

Simply put, you have so many options.

Other Benefits of Becoming a Surgical Technician

Here are some of the other reasons why you should consider becoming a surgical tech:

It is a rewarding job. Just like all jobs in the healthcare industry, being a surgical tech will give you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction because you make a difference in people’s lives every single day. You are a vital member of the surgical team, and your contributions are life-saving and life-changing. Because of you, surgeries are done safely and successfully, with optimal results.

It is never boring as each day is different. Some of your tasks may be routine, but when you are inside the OR, you are faced with new and interesting challenges. Each patient’s case is unique and every surgeon has his or her own approach, so you always have the opportunity to learn something new. You also get to work with the latest, most cutting-edge surgical technologies and equipment, which is pretty neat.

Less schooling is required. Compared to other healthcare professionals who have to study for at least four years to get a degree and earn their license to practice, surgical techs are only required to take a two-year associate degree. Another healthcare profession that does not require you to spend years in school is a medical assistant. If you would like to know how to become a medical assistant, you only need to secure a high school diploma or a GED. And because you spend less time in school, you also spend less money on tuition. You get to have a stable income a lot sooner, too.

Surgical Technician Salary Outlook

Salary for surgical techs varies with the state and specific health institution they are working. But, according to BLS, their median annual wage in May 2022 was $55,960 or $26.91 per hour. The lowest 10% earned lower than $38,860 while the highest 10% earned higher than $78,560.

Best Places to Work as a Surgical Tech

In May 2022, the top two industries or health institutions for surgical techs are medical and diagnostic laboratories, which paid a median annual wage of $71,430, and home health care services, which paid a median annual wage of $67,370.

The top-paying state for surgical techs in May 2022 was Alaska, which paid an annual mean wage of $73,960. It was followed by California, Connecticut, Nevada, and Washington.

What are the challenges surgical technicians face on the job?

Being a surgical technician can be a rewarding career, but it also comes with its unique challenges. Understanding these challenges can help you prepare for the realities of the job and develop strategies to cope effectively:

High-stress environment: Surgical techs often work in high-pressure settings where quick thinking and a calm demeanor are essential. Surgeries can be unpredictable, and techs must remain composed to assist the surgical team efficiently, especially during emergencies.
Long hours and physical demands: The job requires standing for extended periods, sometimes without breaks, and frequently involves lifting or positioning patients and equipment. Physical stamina is crucial to handle the long shifts, often in fast-paced and demanding environments.
Exposure to biohazards: Surgical technicians are exposed to bodily fluids, sharp instruments, and the risk of infections. They must strictly adhere to safety protocols to minimize the risk of contracting or transmitting infections.
Emotional challenges: Witnessing surgical procedures and patient outcomes, especially in critical cases, can be emotionally taxing. Surgical techs may face stress and emotional fatigue from working with patients in life-threatening conditions.
Keeping up with advancements in medical technology: The medical field is constantly evolving, with new surgical techniques and technologies emerging. Surgical technicians need to commit to continuous learning and professional development to stay current with the latest practices.
Maintaining a sterile environment: Ensuring that the surgical area remains sterile at all times is critical to prevent infections. Any break in sterile technique can have serious consequences, making this responsibility a significant challenge.

Is being a surgical technician a good fit for you?

Before you look into how to become a surgical tech and map out your future as one, you need to determine whether this job is really for you. A job in the healthcare industry is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging, and being a surgical tech does not exempt you from having to be fit in all three aspects. Each job, however, has its own specific set of requirements.

And if you find yourself lacking in some of the skill and quality requirements for a surgical tech, there are so many other options for you in healthcare with more or less the same number of years of schooling. For example, you can become an X-ray or an ultrasound technician if surgeries are too fast-paced and stressful for you. You can look into education programs for X-ray technicians.

Alternatively, post-secondary programs for ultrasound technicians may serve you well.

What are the educational advancements for career growth in healthcare?

Expanding your skillset and qualifications is a pivotal way to diversify your career in healthcare and maximize opportunities for growth. For surgical technicians aiming to transition or advance within the medical field, pursuing higher education or certification programs can pave the way to better prospects.

One notable pathway is transitioning into nursing. Surgical technicians who have gained substantial experience in operating rooms often consider bridge programs that cater to their knowledge base. For those looking for a fast-paced learning environment, 12 month LPN to RN programs represent an excellent option. These programs allow healthcare professionals to transition into registered nursing roles efficiently, equipping them with advanced patient care knowledge and opening doors to higher salaries and leadership opportunities.

Furthermore, fields such as anesthesia technology, radiologic technology, and physician assistance are also promising. Each provides a specific trajectory for continuing education, where existing surgical technology expertise can be leveraged for specialization. Specializing further in fields like neuroscience or cardiovascular technology aligns existing skills with niche medical practices, offering both career satisfaction and financial benefits.

Strategically investing in educational opportunities can redefine your role in the healthcare sector, offering long-term stability and professional fulfillment.

How can professional networking and mentorship impact your career success?

Professional networking and mentorship offer distinct advantages that complement formal education and certifications. Building robust professional relationships can uncover job opportunities, provide insights into emerging industry trends, and facilitate skill enhancement through real-world advice. Mentors with extensive experience in surgical technology or related healthcare fields can offer constructive feedback, share best practices, and guide you in career decisions that align with your long-term goals. Engaging in industry associations, attending conferences, and connecting with peers on professional platforms not only enhances your expertise but may also expose you to career paths such as the highest paying jobs in biology, all while broadening your professional network.

How can emerging healthcare technologies enhance your surgical tech career?

Rapid advances in digital health—such as robotic-assisted surgery, telemedicine, and simulation training—are reshaping the operative environment and clinical decision-making. Surgical technicians who embrace these innovations can enjoy enhanced precision, streamlined workflows, and improved patient outcomes. Staying informed through continuous professional development, including targeted online programs like an affordable online public health degree, is essential for integrating data-driven practices into day-to-day responsibilities and maintaining a competitive edge in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Can interdisciplinary education accelerate your career growth?

Integrating coursework from allied fields can enhance your technical proficiency and open doors to leadership roles in healthcare. Complementary education in areas such as healthcare informatics, administration, or pharmaceutical studies can diversify your skill set and increase your versatility in multidisciplinary teams. For instance, pursuing advanced programs may prepare you for roles that require robust collaboration between surgical and pharmaceutical teams, offering a competitive edge in career advancement. Additionally, exploring options like the cheapest online pharmacy school can strategically position you to bridge clinical expertise with broader healthcare management opportunities.

Could an advanced Pharm D degree online expand your career horizons?

Surgical technicians looking to enhance their clinical expertise and transition into expanded roles may consider advanced academic pathways. Pursuing an advanced clinical doctoral program equips professionals with a deeper understanding of pharmacological management, interprofessional healthcare leadership, and integrated patient care strategies. For instance, acquiring a Pharm D degree online can open doors to roles that combine surgical knowledge with medication management, facilitating smoother collaboration between surgical and pharmaceutical teams. This targeted educational investment demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional development and positions practitioners for leadership opportunities in evolving healthcare environments.

What are the alternative career opportunities for surgical technicians

While a career as a surgical technician is rewarding, many individuals may consider branching into alternative healthcare roles or exploring other educational pathways. Such options can leverage their skills in surgical environments while offering diverse job settings and responsibilities. One compelling alternative for surgical technicians is becoming a veterinary technician. After completing in the best vet tech schools, veterinary technicians assist in procedures, maintain sterile environments, and provide post-procedure care—but for animal patients.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): This role requires less schooling compared to an RN and provides opportunities to work closely with patients in hospitals or clinics.

Registered Nurse (RN): Surgical techs can enroll in bridge programs to earn their RN credentials. Specializing in perioperative nursing allows them to maintain their connection to the surgical field while taking on leadership responsibilities.
Anesthesia Technologist: Specializing in assisting anesthesiologists during surgeries, this role builds upon surgical tech skills with additional certification in anesthesia technology.
Radiologic Technologist: For those interested in diagnostic imaging, becoming a radiologic technologist involves training in operating advanced imaging equipment like X-rays and MRIs.

What are the benefits of exploring related careers in the healthcare industry?

Exploring related careers in the healthcare industry can provide numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, and a broader range of specializations. For instance, individuals interested in cardiovascular health may consider a career as an EKG technician, which can provide a unique blend of patient care and technical skills. To learn more about this career path, visit EKG tech salary to discover the average salary range and requirements for this role. By investigating related careers, individuals can make informed decisions about their professional paths and potentially uncover new opportunities for growth and development in the healthcare industry.

How do regulatory and administrative shifts influence your surgical tech career?

Staying informed about regulatory changes and healthcare policy updates is crucial for maintaining compliance and competitive edge in the operating room. Evolving guidelines on patient safety, data protection, and clinical standards demand that surgical technicians not only hone their technical skills but also develop a robust understanding of legal frameworks. Monitoring policy shifts and integrating administrative expertise into your practice can lead to more effective coordination within healthcare teams. This strategic knowledge can be enhanced by exploring opportunities such as the most affordable online degrees in healthcare administration, which empower professionals to navigate the intricacies of healthcare regulations and optimize career growth without compromising on patient care standards.

Can supplemental certifications further elevate your career path?

Surgical technicians can benefit from targeted supplemental certifications to refine their clinical expertise and transition into adjunct roles within healthcare. These specialized credentials—focused on areas such as clinical informatics, healthcare administration, and even medical coding—offer a strategic advantage. For instance, acquiring a coding certification can enhance your understanding of revenue cycle management and broaden your career prospects beyond the operating room.

How does a career in surgical technology compare to related careers?

Suppose you're considering a career in surgical technology but want to explore other options. In that case, it's helpful to understand how it compares to similar fields. Here's how surgical technology stacks up against related careers:

Radiologic Technology: Radiologic technologists use imaging equipment to create diagnostic images of the body, which helps physicians diagnose conditions. While surgical and radiologic technologists work in healthcare settings, their roles differ. Surgical techs assist during surgeries, handling instruments and maintaining sterile environments, while radiologic technologists focus on operating imaging equipment and patient care before and after scans.
- Key Differences:
  - Training: Radiologic technology typically requires an associate degree, while surgical techs can enter the field with a certificate or associate degree.
  - Certifications: Radiologic technologists often pursue certifications like the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists), whereas surgical techs often seek CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) certification.
  - Work Environment: Radiologic technologists often work in diagnostic imaging departments, whereas surgical techs primarily work in operating rooms.
Nursing: Nurses, especially surgical nurses, share overlapping skills with surgical techs, such as patient care and understanding surgical procedures. However, nurses have a broader scope of practice, including patient assessments, administering medications, and coordinating patient care plans. Becoming a nurse typically involves a more extensive education, usually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Key Differences:
  - Scope of Practice: Nurses have a wider range of responsibilities beyond the operating room and are involved in patient care throughout treatment.
  - Educational Requirements: Nursing requires more education than surgical technology, leading to higher entry-level salaries.
  - Career Growth: Nurses have more opportunities for specialization and advancement, such as becoming nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists.
Ultrasound Technologist: Ultrasound technologists, or diagnostic medical sonographers, use sound waves to create images of organs and tissues for medical diagnosis. Unlike surgical techs, they work with patients to conduct non-invasive diagnostic procedures. The training for this career involves specialized education, often resulting in an associate degree or certificate program.
- Key Differences:
  - Job Duties: Ultrasound technologists focus on imaging and patient interaction rather than assisting in surgeries.
  - Work Environment: Ultrasound technologists often work in diagnostic centers or hospitals, whereas surgical techs work in operating rooms.
  - Certifications: Ultrasound technologists may hold certifications such as RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer), while surgical techs may obtain the CST credential.

If you're considering a career involving patient care and diagnostic work, learning how to become an ultrasound technician could be worthwhile. This career can offer a unique blend of patient interaction and technical skills, complementing your interest in healthcare.

Key Insights

High Demand: There is a growing demand for surgical technicians due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology. Employment is expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Essential Role: Surgical techs are vital members of the operating room team, responsible for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties to ensure the safety and success of surgeries.
Educational Path: Becoming a surgical tech requires completing a certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology, which can take between 12 months to 2 years.
Certification: While certification is not mandatory in all states, it is highly recommended. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam is the most common certification, which needs to be renewed every two years with continuing education credits.
Salary Outlook: As of May 2022, the median annual wage for surgical techs was $55,960. Salaries vary by state and work setting, with top earners making over $78,560 annually.
Career Growth: There are opportunities for career advancement, including specialized surgical tech roles and transitioning to nursing or other advanced healthcare positions.
Work Environment: Surgical techs primarily work in hospitals but can also find opportunities in outpatient care centers and physician’s offices. The job involves standing for long periods and working in sterile environments.

FAQ

What is a surgical technician? A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a trained medical professional who assists in surgical operations. They perform tasks before, during, and after surgery, including preparing the operating room, passing instruments to the surgeon, and ensuring that the operating area remains sterile.
What education is required to become a surgical technician? To become a surgical technician, you need to complete a certificate or associate degree program in surgical technology from an accredited institution. These programs typically take between 12 months to 2 years to complete.
Do surgical technicians need to be certified? While certification is not required in all states, it is highly recommended as it improves job prospects. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), is the most recognized certification.
What are the duties of a surgical technician? Surgical technicians have various duties: preoperative (sterilizing equipment, preparing the operating room, and assisting in patient preparation); intraoperative (passing instruments to the surgeon, providing supplies, and maintaining a sterile environment); and postoperative (counting instruments, disposing of used materials, and maintaining the sterile field until the patient is moved to recovery)
What is the job outlook for surgical technicians? The employment of surgical technicians is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. This growth is driven by advancements in medical technology and an aging population requiring more surgical procedures.
How much do surgical technicians earn? As of May 2022, the median annual wage for surgical technicians was $55,960. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,860, while the highest 10% earned more than $78,560.
What skills are important for a surgical technician? Important skills for surgical technicians include the ability to work well under stress, good communication and interpersonal skills, physical stamina, dexterity, excellent eye-hand coordination, and the ability to maintain a sterile environment.
Where do surgical technicians typically work? Surgical technicians primarily work in hospitals but can also find employment in outpatient care centers, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Can surgical technicians specialize in certain areas? Yes, surgical technicians can specialize in areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, ENT (ear, nose, throat) surgery, pediatric surgery, and urology. Specializing usually requires additional training and certification.
What are the continuing education requirements for certified surgical technicians? Certified surgical technicians need to renew their CST certification every two years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits. This ensures they stay updated with the latest advancements in medical technology and surgical procedures.

Preoperative: Sterilizing equipment, preparing the operating room, and assisting in patient preparation.

Preoperative: Sterilizing equipment, preparing the operating room, and assisting in patient preparation.
Intraoperative: Passing instruments to the surgeon, providing supplies, and maintaining a sterile environment.
Postoperative: Counting instruments, disposing of used materials, and maintaining the sterile field until the patient is moved to recovery.

References:

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