Surgical Tech jobs are more than just fast-paced, high-pressure environments. They offer the opportunity to work in a broad spectrum of different medical fields, using your technical expertise in new ways every day.
Talk about an important career. Surgeons wouldn’t be able to perform surgery safely without you around. As a surgical technician, you will work under the surgeon to make sure they have everything they need to successfully perform surgical procedures.
From making sure the operating area is safe and clean to ensuring the equipment necessary is functioning properly, surgical technicians are the real reason surgeries are successful. Since surgeries can be stressful, you really need to be able to remain calm at all times (even in stressful situations).
Every day is different for surgical technicians. You never know what your day will be like when you walk into work. It can be hard work, but when you pull off a successful surgery and save a patient, you’ll see how rewarding it is.
Surgical Tech Salary With Certificate
If you’re looking to become a surgical technician, it’s important to know how much you’ll be making.
The best place to start is by looking at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which reports that surgical technicians in 2018 earned an average of $55,360 per year. That’s just a bit higher than the average U.S. salary—$52,762 per year—but it’s still a respectable amount of money for the work you do.
If you have a certificate or associate’s degree in surgical technology, your salary will likely be higher than the average for those who don’t have any formal education in this field. For instance, BLS reports that those with a certificate earn an average of $57,190 per year while those with an associate’s degree earn an average of $58,370 per year (although neither number is as high as if they had a bachelor’s degree).
What Does a Surgical Technician Do
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries.Learn More About What A Surgical Technician Does
How To Become a Surgical Technician
Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary certificate or an associate’s degree. Certification can be beneficial in finding a job. A small number of states regulate surgical technologists.
Education
Surgical technologists typically need postsecondary education. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals, have accredited programs in surgical technology. Programs range in length from several months to 2 years, and they grant a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree upon completion. Admission typically requires a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Surgical technology education includes courses in anatomy, biology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and other topics. Surgical technologists are trained in the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, how to set up technical or robotic equipment, and preventing and controlling infections. In addition to classroom study, students also work in supervised clinical settings to gain hands-on experience.
First surgical assistants may complete a formal education program in surgical assisting. Others may work as a surgical technologist and receive additional on-the-job training before becoming a first assistant.
Important Qualities
Detail oriented. Surgical technologists must pay close attention to their work at all times. For example, they need to provide the correct sterile equipment for surgeons during an operation.
Dexterity. Surgical technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must be able to provide needed equipment quickly.
Integrity. Because they are trusted to provide sterile supplies and quality patient care during surgical procedures, surgical technologists must have integrity.
Physical stamina. Surgical technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods.
Stress-management skills. Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical technologists should be able to work well under pressure while providing a high level of care
.Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Certification can be beneficial in finding a job. Surgical technologists may earn certification through credentialing organizations.
Certification through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting allows the use of the title “Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).” Certification typically requires completing an accredited formal education program or military training program and passing an exam.
Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing allows the use of the title “Tech in Surgery – Certified (NCCT).” Applicants may qualify through formal education, military training, work experience, or other eligibility paths. All require documenting critical skills and passing an exam.
Both certifications require surgical technologists to complete continuing education to maintain their certification.
In addition, many jobs require technologists to become certified in CPR or basic life support, or both.
A small number of states have regulations governing the work of surgical technologists or surgical assistants, or both.
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants offer certification for surgical first assistants.
Advancement
Surgical technologists may choose to advance to other healthcare occupations, such as registered nurse. Technologists may also choose to become a postsecondary teacher of health specialties.
Industry
The annual median pay for a surgical tech was $45,160 or $21.71 per hour, as reported by the BLS in 2016. This salary exceeds the national median salary of $37,040 per year. You can make the most money working at a large surgery center or specialty clinic. Top paying states for a surgery tech include Nevada, California, District of Columbia, Alaska and Washington. At the other end of the scale, lower wages are in Alabama, Mississippi, South Dakota, Louisiana and West Virginia.
Years of Experience
Gaining experience as a surgical tech will broaden your opportunities for increased wages and specialty opportunities. Advancement opportunities are available for surgical techs who specialize in neurology, neurology or cardiovascular surgery. Experienced surgical techs can secure a position as a mobile surgical tech. Traveling surgical techs can select jobs in the highest-paying cities and receive living expenses while in travel status.
Job Growth Trend
The job market for surgical technologists is expected to grow by 12 percent from now to 2026. This is faster than average, in comparison to other career fields. An aging population increases the need for health care, including surgeries, and this positively affects the surgical tech field.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Surgical Tech Jobs
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Surgical Tech job is above the national average. Topping the list is San Mateo, CA, with Boston, MA and Daly City, CA close behind in the second and third positions. Daly City, CA beats the national average by $10,217 (15.9%), and San Mateo, CA furthers that trend with another $11,572 (18.0%) above the $64,288 average.
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a Surgical Tech appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies very little at 5% between San Mateo, CA and Irvine, CA, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Surgical Tech role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo, CA | $75,860 | $6,322 | $1,459 | $36.47 |
| Boston, MA | $75,321 | $6,277 | $1,448 | $36.21 |
| Daly City, CA | $74,506 | $6,209 | $1,433 | $35.82 |
| Berkeley, CA | $74,465 | $6,205 | $1,432 | $35.80 |
| Renton, WA | $74,274 | $6,190 | $1,428 | $35.71 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $74,265 | $6,189 | $1,428 | $35.70 |
| Reston, VA | $73,903 | $6,159 | $1,421 | $35.53 |
| Lowell, MA | $73,430 | $6,119 | $1,412 | $35.30 |
| Green River, WY | $73,110 | $6,092 | $1,406 | $35.15 |
| Irvine, CA | $72,078 | $6,006 | $1,386 | $34.6 |
