Surgical Technologist Salary2026 Guide
The national average surgical technologist salary is $60,610 per year ($29.14/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Use our calculator to estimate your pay by state, experience, and certification.
Surgical Technologist Salary Calculator
Estimate your salary based on location, experience, certification, and work setting.
Estimates are based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and industry survey data. Individual salaries vary based on employer, shift differentials, overtime, and local labor market conditions.
Surgical Technologist Salary Overview
Salary by Percentile
- 10th percentile$38,740
- 25th percentile$47,960
- Median (50th)$60,610
- 75th percentile$72,180
- 90th percentile$89,740
Salary by Work Setting
- General hospitals$62,140
- Ambulatory surgical centers$60,280
- Outpatient care centers$58,570
- Offices of physicians$55,340
- Federal government$71,820
Top Paying States
- Alaska$82,640
- Washington DC$79,800
- California$78,340
- Nevada$74,690
- Minnesota$73,820
Explore in Depth
Salary by State
All 50 states ranked by average annual pay with cost-of-living adjustments.
Salary by Experience
See how pay grows from entry level through senior and lead surgical tech roles.
Certification Pay Bumps
How much more the CST and TS-C credentials add to your salary.
Job Outlook
BLS projections, demand drivers, and where the best job markets are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make?
The national average surgical technologist salary is $60,610 per year ($29.14/hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The range runs from $38,740 at the 10th percentile up to $89,740 at the 90th percentile. Pay is influenced by state, work setting, years of experience, and certifications held.
What state pays surgical technologists the most?
Alaska has the highest mean annual wage for surgical technologists at $82,640, followed by Washington DC ($79,800), California ($78,340), Nevada ($74,690), and Minnesota ($73,820). Keep in mind that Alaska and California also have significantly higher costs of living, so take-home purchasing power differs from the nominal salary figure.
Is surgical technology a good career?
Yes. The BLS projects 5% employment growth for surgical technologists from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average across all occupations. The aging US population continues to drive demand for surgical procedures. Entry barriers are relatively low compared to other clinical roles, as most programs award an associate degree in 18 to 24 months. The work is specialized, hands-on, and provides long-term job security.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist?
Most candidates complete an accredited associate degree program in 18 to 24 months. Accelerated certificate programs can take 12 to 18 months. After completing a program, many employers require the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) credential, which involves sitting a certification exam through the NBSTSA. Some military veterans qualify for civilian positions based on their service training.
Do surgical technologists make more than nurses?
Registered nurses earn more on average, with a median wage of around $81,220 per year versus $60,610 for surgical techs. However, surgical techs typically earn more than licensed practical nurses (median $54,620). Experienced surgical first assistants with the TS-C credential can earn $80,000 to $100,000 or more, overlapping with RN pay in many markets.
What certifications increase surgical technologist pay?
The CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) from the NBSTSA adds approximately $5,000 to $8,000 per year for most surgical techs. The TS-C (Tech in Surgery - Certified), an advanced credential for first assistants, adds another $3,000 to $5,000 on top of the CST premium. Most employers also pay more for techs who maintain continuing education credits and renew their certification on schedule.