Surgical Tech Salary: How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make for 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Surgical technologists, or surgical techs, are important to the success of medical operations. They are mainly in charge of preparation and sterilization processes for surgeries, handling operating rooms, surgical equipment, and the patients themselves. In 2022, the mean annual surgical tech salary in the United States was $57,500, $4,400 less than the $61,900 mean annual wage of all occupations in the country that year [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023]. Fortunately, 11 states pay surgical techs more than the average wage of all professions.

To help you learn more about surgical tech pay, our team at Research.com created this in-depth guide, detailing the highest-paying and lowest-paying states in the U.S. and the mean and median annual wages of occupations related to surgical tech.

Surgical Tech Salary Table of Contents

1. Highest-paying States for Surgical Techs
2. Lowest-paying States for Surgical Techs
3. Future Industry Outlook for Surgical Technologists
4. Related Occupations vs Surgical Tech Salary
5. What Additional Certifications Can Enhance My Surgical Tech Career?
6. How Can Advanced Academic Degrees Enhance My Healthcare Career?
7. What Are the Considerations for Transitioning from Surgical Tech to a Pharmacy Career?
8. How Can Accelerated Certification Programs Boost Career Prospects?
9. Common Career Advancement Opportunities for Surgical Techs
10. Could an Accelerated Pharmacy Degree Expand My Healthcare Career Options?
11. How to Become a Surgical Technologist
12. Exploring Career Paths Beyond Surgical Tech: Transitioning to Nurse Practitioner
13. What Are the Alternative Career Paths in Healthcare?
14. How Can I Effectively Negotiate a Higher Surgical Tech Salary?

Surgical techs prepare and sterilize surgical equipment, operating rooms, and patients’ incision sites. They are also present during the surgery to ensure that surgeons utilize the appropriate sterile supplies and that patients are clear of foreign objects. Post-operation, surgical techs may assist in finishing up by applying wound dressings to incision areas. Considering the meticulousness of a surgical tech job, you may wonder, “How much do surgical techs make?"

Surgical Tech Salary: Highest-paying States

The responsibilities of surgical techs require them to be thorough and efficient. Thus, similar to the starting dentist salary, the surgical technologist salary provided by the highest-paying states in the U.S. is well-earned. Notably, the following 11 states have higher 2022 mean annual wages for the profession than the $61,900 mean annual wage of all occupations in the country (US BLS, 2023).

Alaska — $73,960

The surgical tech salary in Alaska in 2022 was $73,960, the highest mean annual wage for the occupation in the U.S. that year (US BLS, 2023). The state’s employment of only 260 professionals and the profession’s projected 6% job growth rate between 2021 and 2031 (US BLS, 2022) provides an opportunity for individuals aspiring to enter the healthcare industry, which includes graduates of environmental safety and health degree. This employment outlook is slightly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the nation during the same period (5.3%) (US BLS, 2022).

California — $72,860

California ranks second in this list of the highest surgical tech salary rates, with a mean annual wage of $72,860. Compared to Alaska, California’s figure is $1,100 less. The state also breeds more professional competition, employing 10,810 surgical techs in 2022 (US BLS, 2023). The stark contrast in employment may be primarily due to the enormous difference between the population sizes of the two states—Alaska was home to 733,583 while California housed 39,029,342 in 2022 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).

Connecticut — $71,430

In Connecticut, the average salary of a surgical tech was $71,430 in 2022 (US BLS, 2023). This is $13,930 more than the mean annual wage of all surgical techs in the U.S. and $9,530 more than that of all occupations in the country. In the same year, 1,180 surgical techs were employed in the state (US BLS, 2023).

Nevada — $69,300

Nevada placed fourth out of all U.S. states with a surgical tech salary of $69,300 in 2022. Out of the 107,400 surgical techs in the U.S. that year, the state employed 1,040, translating to 0.734 in employment per 1,000 jobs (US BLS, 2023). Along with the entire nation, Nevada has also been experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers, including registered nurses, physicians, and surgical techs.

Washington — $66,590

Washington had a 2022 mean annual wage of $66,590, which is $9,090 more than that of all surgical techs in the U.S. and $4,690 more than that of all occupations in the country. In the same year, the state employed 2,150 for the profession (US BLS, 2023).

Other States with High Surgical Tech Salary Rates

• New Jersey: $66,270
• Oregon: $65,760
• Minnesota: $65,700
• Massachusetts: $64,700
• New York: $64,640
• Colorado: $63,740

Surgical Tech Salary: Lowest-paying States

States with unfair compensation, staff shortages, and other workplace concerns have been called on to improve conditions. In 2023, the American Hospital Association (AHA) tapped the U.S. Senate to help address the healthcare workforce shortage crisis in the country by presenting them with their own organizational initiatives and policy-development recommendations for the government.

This is an urgent labor issue as the mean annual surgical tech salary gap between the lowest-paying states and the entire U.S. in 2022 ranged from $10,030 to $14,060. Moreover, the differences between the mean annual wages of the following states and that of all occupations in the U.S. in the same year were between $14,430 and $18,460.

Louisiana — $47,470

Louisiana’s 2022 mean annual surgical tech salary is $47,470 (US BLS, 2023)—a $10,030 difference compared to the $57,500 mean annual wage of all surgical techs in the U.S. in the same year. Moreover, the figure is $14,430 less than the mean annual salary of all occupations in the country. In the same year, 2,140 surgical techs worked in Louisiana (US BLS, 2023).

Arkansas — $46,740

Arkansas’s mean annual surgical tech salary was $46,740 in 2022 (US BLS, 2023). The figure is $10,760 less than the mean annual income of all U.S. surgical techs. Meanwhile, it is a $15,160 difference compared to the mean annual wage of all occupations in the country, which can make you think about how to become nurse practitioner as they have significantly higher salaries than the average. That year, the state employed 1,410 surgical techs (US BLS, 2023).

West Virginia — $46,140

West Virginia’s mean annual surgical tech salary in 2022 was $46,140 (US BLS, 2023). It is $11,360 less than the mean annual wage of all surgical techs in the U.S. and $15,760 less than that of all occupations in the country. In the same year, the state employed 530 individuals for the job (US BLS, 2023).

Mississippi — $44,340

In Mississippi, the 2022 mean annual surgical tech salary is $44,340 (US BLS, 2023)—a $13,160 difference compared to the mean annual wage of all surgical techs in the entire U.S. Moreover, it is $17,560 less than all occupations in the country. That year, the state employed 1,170 surgical techs (US BLS, 2023).

Alabama — $43,440

The mean annual surgical tech salary in Alabama was the lowest of all wages for the occupation in the U.S. in 2022 (US BLS, 2023). The figure is $14,060 less than the 2022 mean annual wage of all surgical techs and $18,460 less than that of all occupations in the entire country. In the same year, the state employed 2,260 individuals for the job (US BLS, 2023).

Future Industry Outlook for Surgical Technologists

The future outlook for surgical technologists is promising, driven by several dynamics in the healthcare sector. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% employment growth rate for surgical technologists between 2021 and 2031, slightly above the national average for all occupations. This growth stems largely from anticipated increases in surgical procedures due to the aging population and the expansion of healthcare facilities nationwide.

Additionally, the shift toward outpatient care centers for surgical procedures offers more employment opportunities for surgical technologists. Outpatient centers often deliver cost-effective and efficient surgical solutions, creating a higher demand for skilled professionals who can support these advancements.

For healthcare aspirants interested in exploring related routes to enter the medical field quickly, pursuing easy degrees to get can serve as a foundation for further specialized certifications or career shifts.

Moreover, technological innovations in robotic-assisted surgeries and minimally invasive procedures are reshaping the operating room landscape. Surgical technologists must stay equipped with the latest technical skills and certifications to remain competitive in this evolving profession.

In conclusion, staying informed about industry advancements and continuously upskilling can help surgical technologists not only secure stable roles but also elevate their earning potential over time. This proactive approach ensures alignment with the growing demands in healthcare and positions professionals for sustained success.

Related Occupations vs Surgical Tech Salary

Our team at Research.com created this comparative overview of the annual wages of professions related to surgical tech. Aspiring healthcare professionals may find this section insightful when attempting to determine the appropriate occupations for them in terms of income potential. However, should you want to explore other roles, you may want to discover how to become an np.

• Surgical Technician. Similar to surgical techs, surgical technicians aid surgeons throughout operations. However, they may be supervised by surgical techs or registered nurses (RNs). While surgical techs may need an undergraduate certificate or degree, individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent may be qualified to become surgical technicians, given that they undergo on-the-job training programs. Surgical technicians have minimal patient interactions during procedures but may provide patients and families with support before and after operations. The average annual surgical technician salary in 2023 is $52,193 (Zippia, 2023).
• Surgical Assistant. A surgical assistant directly supports surgeons during operations. They perform several tasks, including incisions, clamping, and closing incision sites. The mean annual wage of the profession in 2022 was $61,200 (US BLS, 2023).
• Radiologic Technologist. A radiologic technologist conducts diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-ray and mammography, and assesses the images to determine the patient’s state. The mean annual wage of the profession in 2022 was $70,240 (US BLS, 2023). Individuals interested in becoming radiologic technologists may want to consider online radiologic technology programs for affordable and accessible options. Employment for the profession in the U.S. is expected to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031, slightly faster than all professions’ average job growth rate in the same period (US BLS, 2022).
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Diagnostic medical sonographers are trained to produce images of organs and tissues called sonograms or ultrasounds. They utilize transducers, which are equipment for scanning a patient’s examined body parts. The mean annual wage of the profession in 2022 was $84,410 (US BLS, 2023). Aspiring sonographers may consider online sonography programs, especially if they are employed or have family members to care for. Online degree programs may allow students to attend lectures virtually and perform class activities based on their own schedules.
• Registered Nurse (RN). R.N.s provide direct patient care, interview and assess patients, and administer their prescribed medications, among other healthcare services. The mean annual wage of the profession in 2022 was $89,010 (US BLS, 2023). Employment for R.N.s has also been forecast to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031 (US BLS, 2022). Aspiring R.N.s may apply to the best BSN programs to ensure they gain a solid foundation in nursing education.

Individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field but aim to become a nurse may explore the diverse accelerated N.P. program selection that the U.S. has to offer. An NP, or nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) trained to practice beyond the scope of R.N.s, becoming skilled at diagnosing, treating, and focusing on specialized areas. Accelerated N.P. programs fast-track nursing students’ education, preparing them for R.N. licensure and N.P. certification. Should you wish to consider other related paths, you can also explore how to become a certified holistic nutritionist.

What Additional Certifications Can Enhance My Surgical Tech Career?

In an industry where continuous skill development is crucial, supplemental certifications can broaden your expertise and career opportunities. Pursuing credentials in areas such as advanced surgical instrumentation, sterile processing, or healthcare administration can set you apart from your peers. Additionally, acquiring allied qualifications, like those offered through a low-cost medical coding and billing online program, can integrate technical and administrative skill sets, further enhancing your value in multifaceted healthcare environments.

How Can Advanced Academic Degrees Enhance My Healthcare Career?

Advanced academic credentials can broaden career prospects by unlocking leadership roles, specialized clinical positions, and research opportunities within the healthcare sector. Earning a master's or doctoral degree cultivates a strategic edge through enhanced clinical insight, refined administrative skills, and a deeper understanding of emerging healthcare innovations. For example, pursuing an online pharmacy degree can complement technical expertise with advanced pharmacological knowledge, enabling professionals to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration and improve patient care outcomes.

What Are the Considerations for Transitioning from Surgical Tech to a Pharmacy Career?

Surgical technologists considering a shift toward a pharmacy career should evaluate the transferability of their clinical experience and technical skills while understanding the distinct academic and certification requirements in pharmacy. Transitioning professionals must recognize that, unlike the hands-on role in the operating room, pharmacy positions demand strong proficiency in pharmacology, patient counselling, and regulatory compliance. Identifying gaps in current knowledge and obtaining the appropriate credentials is crucial. For instance, prospective pharmacists should review our guide What do you need for pharmacy school? to ensure they meet all prerequisites before committing to further education. An informed decision combined with targeted upskilling can facilitate a smoother career transition and position individuals for success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

How Can Accelerated Certification Programs Boost Career Prospects?

Accelerated certification programs offer a streamlined pathway for surgical technologists to acquire additional clinical competencies and diversify their career opportunities without lengthy time commitments. These programs facilitate rapid upskilling in specialized areas, allowing professionals to pivot toward roles that require distinct yet complementary expertise. For instance, enrolling in medical assistant programs accelerated can provide immediate, hands-on training that enhances one’s adaptability in the evolving healthcare landscape. Embracing such targeted initiatives can lead to improved job mobility, enhanced patient care outcomes, and increased earning potential while addressing the industry's demand for versatile, well-trained practitioners.

Common Career Advancement Opportunities for Surgical Techs

Surgical technologists have several options for advancing their careers, particularly as they gain experience and pursue additional certifications or education. Below are potential paths that surgical techs can explore to enhance their roles and increase earning potential.

• Specialization in Surgical Procedures: Surgical techs can specialize in areas like cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurosurgery. By developing expertise in a specific field, techs become valuable team members for specialized surgeries, often leading to higher salaries.
• Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST): Obtaining the CST credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) can make techs more competitive and eligible for better-paying roles.
• Transition to Surgical First Assistant: With further training, surgical techs can become Surgical First Assistants, who have more responsibility during procedures, such as closing incisions and controlling bleeding. This role typically offers a higher salary.
• Pursuing Nursing or Healthcare Administration: Surgical techs interested in broader patient care or leadership roles might consider pursuing an RN degree or a degree in healthcare administration. Both paths provide a significant opportunity for career growth.

By exploring these career paths, surgical techs can achieve professional fulfillment and increase their earning potential within the healthcare field.

Could an Accelerated Pharmacy Degree Expand My Healthcare Career Options?

Surgical technologists with clinical experience may benefit from broadening their expertise through an advanced pharmacy degree. Integrating pharmacological knowledge with surgical skills can open doors to diversified roles in patient care, medication management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This pathway provides a strategic shift that not only enhances clinical insight but also bolsters leadership potential and compensation benchmarks. For professionals seeking to leverage their healthcare background into a dynamic role, exploring programs like the fastest doctor of pharmacy program can offer a competitive edge in an increasingly integrated field.

How to Become a Surgical Technologist

Becoming a surgical technologist requires a combination of education, certification, and on-the-job training. Here's a roadmap to get you started:

• Education: Surgical technologists typically need to complete an associate's degree in surgical technology from an accredited program. These programs can be found at community colleges and vocational schools. Some employers may also accept candidates with a diploma in surgical technology.
• Certification: After completing their education, surgical technologists must pass a national certification exam administered by the Certifying Board of Surgical Technologists (CBST).
• Experience: Entry-level surgical technologists typically need to complete an externship or residency program to gain hands-on experience. Once they have gained experience, surgical technologists can pursue advanced certifications and specializations.

Surgical technologists should also possess strong communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. They must be able to work effectively under pressure and in fast-paced environments. For more information on the salary expectations in this field, you can explore our page on medical billing and coding salary, a related healthcare career.

Exploring Career Paths Beyond Surgical Tech: Transitioning to Nurse Practitioner

For surgical technologists seeking to expand their career opportunities, transitioning into roles like nurse practitioner (NP) can offer both personal and professional growth. NPs are advanced practice nurses who enjoy higher salaries and expanded responsibilities compared to surgical techs. The transition from surgical tech to NP involves further education, typically including an RN license and a master's or doctoral degree in nursing.

If you're considering a career shift, look into RN to NP programs online, which provide flexible learning options tailored to individuals who are already working in healthcare. These programs fast-track your education, enabling you to earn a nurse practitioner certification while continuing your professional commitments.

Becoming a nurse practitioner opens the door to a wide range of healthcare settings, where NPs can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and specialize in fields like pediatrics, family practice, or psychiatry. This career path also offers the potential for greater job stability and the ability to significantly impact patient care.

By exploring these opportunities, surgical techs can not only enhance their professional skill set but also position themselves for higher salaries and more diverse career options within the healthcare sector.

What Are the Alternative Career Paths in Healthcare?

For individuals interested in the healthcare sector but not necessarily in surgical technology, there are various alternative career paths to explore. One option is to pursue a career in public health, which can lead to roles in healthcare management, policy development, or community health education. To begin this journey, researching the cheapest online public health degree can provide a foundation for understanding the educational requirements and opportunities in this field. Additionally, considering certifications or degrees in related fields such as medical billing, coding, or nursing can offer a broader spectrum of career opportunities within the healthcare industry.

How Can I Effectively Negotiate a Higher Surgical Tech Salary?

Develop a negotiation strategy by gathering local market data and clearly outlining your contributions to surgical efficiency. Assess performance metrics and comparative salary benchmarks to build a compelling case. Highlight any advanced certifications or specialized training that increase your value to the team. In addition, consider enhancing your administrative and leadership skills through programs like a fast track online bachelor's degree in healthcare administration to further strengthen your bargaining position.

Determine the Best Surgical Tech Salary for Yourself

Deciding on the organization or state you want to work in depends on your personal and professional goals and preferences. Crucial factors to consider include your basic expenses, family situation, lifestyle, location, and career trajectory. These conditions may require you to apply for a job with the certified surgical technologist salary of the highest-paying states, but you may have to move out of your state. Another option is to pursue a career path for physical therapist.

However, if you can live comfortably on the average annual wage or even less, then staying in your home state with your family may be a suitable decision. Moreover, you may also explore occupations related to surgical tech. For instance, individuals aspiring to climb the nursing ladder may look into BSN to DNP online programs. With many roles that are related and in demand in the healthcare industry, opportunities will continue to present themselves.

Key Insights

• Geographic Variations in Salary: Surgical technologist salaries vary significantly by state, with the highest-paying states offering wages well above the national average. Alaska, California, and Connecticut are among the top-paying states.
• Overall Pay Comparison: The average annual wage for surgical technologists in the U.S. in 2022 was $57,500, which is slightly lower than the average annual wage for all occupations at $61,900.
• Demand and Job Growth: The employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031, slightly faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
• Top Paying States: Alaska leads with the highest mean annual wage for surgical techs at $73,960, followed closely by California and Connecticut.
• Lowest Paying States: States like Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia offer significantly lower mean annual wages for surgical techs, ranging from $43,440 to $47,470.
• Related Occupations: Other healthcare professions related to surgical technology, such as surgical assistants, radiologic technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers, generally offer higher mean annual wages.

FAQ

1. What is the average salary for a surgical technologist in the U.S.? The average annual salary for a surgical technologist in the U.S. in 2022 was $57,500.
2. Which state pays the highest salary for surgical technologists? Alaska pays the highest salary for surgical technologists, with a mean annual wage of $73,960 in 2022.
3. Which state pays the lowest salary for surgical technologists? Alabama pays the lowest salary for surgical technologists, with a mean annual wage of $43,440 in 2022.
4. What factors should I consider when choosing a state to work as a surgical technologist? Factors to consider include the cost of living in the state, the mean annual wage for surgical technologists, job availability, your family situation, and your career goals.
5. What is the job growth projection for surgical technologists? The employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow by 6% until 2031.
6. Are there related occupations that offer higher salaries than surgical technologists? Yes, related occupations such as surgical assistants, radiologic technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers generally offer higher mean annual wages.
7. Do surgical technologists have opportunities for career advancement? Yes, surgical technologists can advance their careers by gaining additional certifications, pursuing further education, or transitioning to related healthcare professions.
8. How does the mean annual wage of surgical technologists compare to the national average for all occupations? The mean annual wage for surgical technologists ($57,500) is slightly lower than the national average for all occupations ($61,900) as of 2022.
9. What educational requirements are needed to become a surgical technologist? Typically, surgical technologists need to complete a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree in surgical technology, which includes both classroom education and hands-on clinical training.

References

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