So if you are gathering data for a surgery services pay stickers, here is the yearly average occupations wage wage of surgical technologists is $62,830 per year as well as about $30.21 per hr (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) But payment differs widely according to qualification and also employer level and area; entry-level techs usually enter into the 40 thousands while highly-qualified niche upstarts or travel technologists ny chance can make six figures The summation: compares hours worked, locations/states/regions, journey tasks + wages & employment information statistics concerning the work comparison table showing just how medical technological systems wages accumulate with other allied wellness line of gource
Salary Data Methodology
Having a type one and type two difference is useful to give you the complete view, this guide has defined just with 2 types of data types.
All wage estimates are national, state and metro estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program-and its associated by employer subdata reported through its Occupational Outlook Handbook Survey Additional Resources: U.S. Census Bureau Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics program; these data provide the most comprehensive comparative numbers for this job.
Methods: A secondary source of data was collected from existing database of healthcare staffing job postings for travel and contract pay. These should be intervene as adaptive sets of perspectives–in form, statutory salary (and at..the legal minimum taxable salary) multiples total tax wage income, swarmed additional non-taxable stipends under current but widespread aspirations outmatched by locally demanded markets.
Note that state-level geographic detail is based on the latest full BLS geographic release found in the tables below, while national headline numbers are taken from a newer update; there is usually an observed lags pattern across different levels of BLS data.
Read more: Surgical Tech Salary
Surgical Technologist Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Figure |
| Median annual salary | $62,830 |
| Median hourly wage | $30.21 |
| Entry-level range (10th–25th percentile) | 43,290–50,560 |
| Experienced range (75th–90th percentile) | 74,430–90,700 |
| Direct Initiatives for Extra Income | Travel, Specialty OR, CSFA |
| Projected job growth (2024–2034) | 5% (faster than average) |
National Salary Percentile Surgical Technologist
| Percentile | Annual Wage |
| 10th (entry-level) | $43,290 |
| 25th | $50,560 |
| 50th (median) | $62,830 |
| 75th | $74,430 |
| 90th (experienced/specialized) | $90,700 |
Graduate salaries sit at the bottom of percentiles for people, while experienced techs that pulse to specialty go will do well on the high end in high cost areas.
Surgical Tech Hourly Pay Breakdown
Hourly vs Salary is important when working overtime and working shifts, and the vast majority of surgical techs make equal if not more hourly than they do annually.
| Experience Level | Approximate Hourly Rate |
| Entry-level (0–1 year) | 20–24/hour |
| Median (national) | ~$30/hour |
| Experienced/specialized | 35–45+/hour |
| Travel/contract assignments | 22–60+/hour, plus stipends |
Can Surgical Techs Make Six Figures?
But you probably won’t see much above $100,000 for an FTE -and with national data from the BLS showing only $90,700 as the 90th percentile, it gets rarer still.
You gig for Travel or Contract in all of these hot weeks on end to break through those six figure incomes; promotion up into a CSFA role; or go out some high paying fed; run down huge overtimes as well as your specialty OR working room experience.
But none of these results is a guarantee and they all take their toll in stability or work-life balance.
What Determines Surgical Tech Pay?
CST Certification and Employability
General Surgical Services CAAHEP-accredited program · National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (CST credential).
That certificate certainly helps in getting a job, but sometimes traditional hospitals will prefer (or even require!) CST certification for surgical technologists to work in the OR.
Pay differences depend heavily on employer and region. You finish a CAAHEP or ABHES approved program and earn your National CST certification after passing the national exam.
CST vs CSFA: Compensation Difference
On the contrary, it is more on CSFAs that are uniquely to touch tissue and assist in hemostasis closure as they will not only be observing a sterile field from a hospital technician perspective.
CSFAs can earn $100K+ per year, especially in busy clinical practice jobs, taking contracts or working independently as a first-assist contractor.
However, average compensation varies depending on case volume, location, and contract type. Most compensation data on CSFAs comes from industry and staffing sources rather than an official federal wage survey specifically for these jobs.
Where Will You Work? Salary and Job Locations
| Workplace | Typical Pay Pattern |
| Trauma hospital | Shift and on-call pay differentials may be higher |
| Academic medical center | Competitive base salary and specialty opportunities |
| Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) | Predictable daytime schedules and limited calls |
| Private practice / physician office | More consistent working hours |
Specialty and Robotic Surgery Experience
Specialized operating room experience can influence compensation. Surgical technologists working with robotic-assisted procedures, cardiovascular surgery, and other specialized surgical services may receive additional pay depending on their employer.
These premiums vary by location, employer, and the availability of specialized professionals.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Surgical technologists support surgical teams by preparing operating rooms, organizing sterile instruments, maintaining sterile conditions, and assisting during procedures.
Their responsibilities and earnings can change as they gain experience.
| Career Stage | Typical Earnings Pattern |
| Surgical technology student | Unpaid or stipend-based clinical training |
| New CST | Entry-level wages, roughly 10th–25th percentile |
| Experienced CST (5+ years) | Median to upper-quartile wages |
| Lead or charge surgical tech | Salary increases with responsibility |
| Certified Surgical First Assistant | Potential for higher compensation |
Top 15 Highest Paying Cities for Surgical Technologists
Geographic location has a major influence on surgical technologist salaries. Metropolitan areas with higher living costs, specialized hospitals, and strong healthcare demand may offer higher wages.
The metro-level salary examples below provide a comparison of several major employment markets.
Travel Surgical Tech Salary
Especially as a staff position, you weren’t usually getting perks like paid time off or health insurance or retirement benefits and contract assignments and travelling paid better.
There are three parts to a travel contract.
- Taxed Hourly Wage: The regular taxable portion of compensation.
- Housing and Meal Stipends: Reimbursements or allowances that may be available under qualifying arrangements.
- Completion Bonuses: Some agencies pay a completion bonus once you finish your contract, typically between 8 and 13 weeks.
This places their base weekly salaries on existing contracts in the $1,800 to upwards of $3,000 per week range depending on specialty, location and contract length.
More mobile, or less in need of assured work techs will make traveling jobs higher on wage floor.
However, travel workers should consider housing costs, benefits, taxes, and contract stability when comparing assignments.
Surgical Tech Salary by State
| State | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage |
| Connecticut | $79,080 | $38.02 |
| California | $76,170 | $36.62 |
| Nevada | $73,800 | $35.48 |
| Washington | $73,580 | $35.38 |
| Alaska | $73,440 | $35.31 |
| New York | $73,150 | $35.17 |
| Texas | $60,070 | $28.88 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,900 | $28.32 |
| Florida | $56,730 | $27.28 |
| Alabama | $46,060 | $22.14 |
Metro-Level Pay Examples
In the states you work in, wages are determined by the expense of being there in addition to how badly hospitals need you to be there.
| Metro Area | Mean Annual Wage |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $95,800 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $75,700 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $72,760 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $67,720 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | $66,640 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $64,870 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $63,290 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $62,950 |
A Bay Area surgical tech may earn considerably more than the national median, but the cost of living there is also much higher.
This reminds job seekers that higher nominal wages do not necessarily mean greater purchasing power.
Surgical Tech Salary Compared With Other Career Options
Surgical technologists are sometimes confused with surgical assistants, although these are different roles with different responsibilities and training requirements.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Typical Training Length |
| Surgical technologist | $62,830 | 12–24 months |
| Surgical assistant | ~59,000–60,000 | CST plus additional certification |
| Radiologic technologist | $77,660 | ~2 years |
| Respiratory therapist | $80,450 | ~2 years |
| Registered nurse | $93,600 | 2–4 years |
These jobs differ in their scope of practice, licensing requirements, professional responsibilities, and training pathways.
Registered nurses generally have broader clinical responsibilities, while radiologic technologists and respiratory therapists specialize in diagnostic imaging and respiratory care.
Occupational Outlook for Operating Room Technicians
Employment of surgical technologists and surgical assistants is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 8,700 annual openings are projected across these combined professions.
Factors supporting employment demand include an aging population, continued surgical procedures, and the need for trained professionals in hospitals and outpatient surgical facilities.
Careers in Surgical Tech: Is It the Right Field for You?
A shorter training period also helps surgical tech compare favorably against many other healthcare positions.
The downside is having a salary ceiling that may be lower than professions requiring longer education and more advanced clinical qualifications.
The career may appeal to individuals who want to enter healthcare relatively quickly and work directly in operating rooms.
Those seeking higher long-term earnings may consider additional training, specialized surgical experience, leadership roles, or advanced credentials such as CSFA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Surgical Techs Make Per Hour?
On average, the national hourly wage for surgical techs is about $30.21 per hour. Entry-level professionals may earn 20–24 per hour, while experienced or specialty-trained technologists may earn 35-45 or more. Travel contracts may offer additional stipends.
How Much Can You Earn in an Entry-Level Surgical Tech Position?
New graduates generally receive offers within the 10th to 25th percentile range, approximately 43,000-51,000 annually. Earnings may increase with experience, professional skills, certification, and employer demand.
Do Certified Surgical Technologists Earn More Than Non-Certified Technologists?
Certification can improve employment opportunities because some hospitals prefer or require certified candidates. However, the exact salary difference depends on local labor market conditions, employer policies, and professional experience.
Which Surgical Tech Specialties Pay the Most?
Specialized surgical areas such as cardiovascular procedures, robotic-assisted surgery, and complex operating room services may offer higher compensation. Actual premiums depend on the employer and location.
How Much Is a Surgical Tech Salary in California and Texas?
The listed mean annual wage is $76,170 in California and $60,070 in Texas. Differences may reflect local healthcare demand, employer compensation practices, and regional living costs.
Are Travel Surgical Tech Jobs Worth It?
Travel assignments can offer higher weekly compensation and additional stipends. However, professionals should compare housing expenses, taxes, benefits, assignment length, and employment stability before accepting a contract.
Can Surgical Techs Work Internationally?
Some surgical technologists may explore international healthcare opportunities, military service, or clinical missions. Requirements vary by country, and professional credentials may not automatically transfer between healthcare systems.
What Is the Salary for a Surgical Tech With 10 Years of Experience?
Experienced professionals may earn within the 75th to 90th percentile range, approximately 74,430-90,700 annually according to the figures presented. Specialization, leadership responsibilities, and location can affect compensation.
What Is the Difference Between Surgical Tech Salary and Surgical First Assistant Pay?
Certified Surgical First Assistants have additional surgical responsibilities and may have higher earning potential. Some experienced CSFAs can earn more than $100,000 annually, although compensation varies significantly.
Why Do Surgical Tech Salary Figures Differ Between Sources?
Salary estimates differ because some sources report median wages while others report averages. Job boards, staffing agencies, and government surveys may also use different datasets or include travel compensation and stipends.
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