Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians or surgical technicians, play a crucial role in the healthcare industry.
They are an integral part of the surgical team, responsible for ensuring that operating rooms are prepared, equipped, and maintained for surgical procedures.
With the increasing demand for healthcare services, the career prospects for surgical techs are promising, but how much can they expect to earn?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that influence surgical technologist salaries in the United States.
Surgical Technologist Salary Guide
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the [median annual salary] for surgical technologists in the United States was $49,710 as of May 2020. However, it’s important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on several factors, including:
- Location: Surgical tech salaries tend to be higher in states with a higher cost of living and a greater demand for healthcare services.
- Experience: Like most professions, more experienced surgical technologists typically command higher salaries than entry-level professionals.
- Certification: Employers often prefer or require surgical techs to hold professional certifications, which can lead to higher earnings.
- Employer: Salaries can differ based on the type of employer, such as hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, physician offices, or dental practices.
Median surgical tech salaries by state
The salaries for surgical technologists can vary significantly across different states in the USA. Here’s a breakdown of the median annual salaries for surgical techs in several states, according to the BLS:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
| California | $57,960 |
| Texas | $49,700 |
| New York | $53,070 |
| Florida | $45,940 |
| Illinois | $53,680 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,830 |
| Ohio | $47,600 |
| Georgia | $45,780 |
| North Carolina | $46,030 |
| Washington | $57,340 |
It’s worth noting that these figures represent median salaries, which means that half of the surgical techs in each state earn more than the amount listed, while the other half earn less.
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10 popular states for surgical techs
Here are some of the most popular states for surgical technologists, along with their respective salaries:
Surgical tech salary in Texas
Texas is a popular destination for surgical techs, with a median annual salary of **$49,700**. The state is home to many major healthcare facilities and a growing population, contributing to the demand for surgical technologists.
Surgical tech salary in New York
New York is another state with a high demand for surgical techs, offering a median annual salary of **$53,070**. The state’s large healthcare industry and high cost of living contribute to the higher salaries for surgical technologists.
Surgical tech salary in Ohio
Ohio is a significant healthcare hub, with a median annual salary of **$47,600** for surgical techs. The state is home to numerous hospitals and medical centers, creating employment opportunities for surgical technologists.
Surgical tech salary in New Jersey
New Jersey, with its proximity to major metropolitan areas, offers surgical techs a median annual salary of **$53,570**. The state’s healthcare industry and high cost of living contribute to the higher salaries in this region.
Surgical tech salary in Florida
Florida, known for its growing healthcare industry and retirement communities, offers surgical techs a median annual salary of **$45,940**. While the cost of living may be lower than some other states, the demand for healthcare services remains strong.
Surgical tech salary in Michigan
Michigan is another popular state for surgical techs, with a median annual salary of **$48,530**. The state’s healthcare industry and research facilities contribute to the demand for skilled surgical technologists.
Surgical tech salary in Georgia
Georgia offers surgical techs a median annual salary of **$45,780**. The state’s growing healthcare industry and lower cost of living make it an attractive option for surgical technologists.
Surgical tech salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a hub for healthcare and research, offering surgical techs a median annual salary of **$57,180**. The state’s high cost of living is offset by the strong demand for healthcare professionals.
Surgical tech salary in Maryland
Maryland offers surgical techs a median annual salary of **$50,890**. The state’s proximity to major metropolitan areas and healthcare facilities contribute to the demand for skilled surgical technologists.
Surgical tech salary in Arkansas
Arkansas offers surgical techs a median annual salary of **$40,420**. While the salaries may be lower than some other states, the cost of living in Arkansas is also relatively low, making it an attractive option for some surgical technologists.
Which states accept NCCT certification?
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is a leading certification organization for surgical technologists. Many states recognize or require NCCT certification for surgical techs to practice. Here are some of the states that accept or require NCCT certification:
- Texas
- Florida
- California
- New York
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Virginia
Earning NCCT certification can not only improve a surgical tech’s job prospects but also potentially lead to higher salaries. Employers often prefer or require certified surgical technologists, as it demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and competency in the field.
Surgical Technologists: Salaries by State
For a visual representation of surgical tech salaries across the United States, you can refer to this interactive map from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: [Surgical Technologists: Salaries by State](https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292055.htm#st)
Highest Paying States for Surgical Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five highest-paying states for surgical technologists are:
- Nevada: With an annual mean wage of $59,120, Nevada offers some of the highest salaries for surgical techs in the country.
- California: California is another high-paying state for surgical techs, with an annual mean wage of $58,940.
- District of Columbia: The nation’s capital offers an annual mean wage of $58,690 for surgical technologists.
- Massachusetts: Surgical techs in Massachusetts earn an annual mean wage of $57,790.
- Alaska: With an annual mean wage of $57,650, Alaska rounds out the top five highest-paying states for surgical technologists.
How can my pay increase as a Surgical Technologist?
Consider where you work and location
The setting in which a surgical technologist works can significantly impact their earning potential. Generally, surgical techs employed in hospitals and outpatient care centers tend to earn higher salaries than those working in physician offices or dental practices.
Additionally, location plays a crucial role in determining salaries for surgical techs. As mentioned earlier, states with a higher cost of living and a greater demand for healthcare services often offer higher salaries to surgical technologists.
Gain education and experience
Like many professions, surgical technologists can increase their earning potential by gaining additional education and experience. Those with advanced certifications or specialized training may be able to command higher salaries than their counterparts with only basic education and certification.
Furthermore, surgical techs with more years of experience in the field are often considered more valuable to employers and may be eligible for higher pay or promotion opportunities.
10 popular cities for surgical techs
While state-level data provides a broad overview of surgical tech salaries, it’s also important to consider specific metropolitan areas, as salaries can vary significantly within a state. Here are some of the top-paying cities for surgical technologists in the United States, according to the BLS:
- San Francisco, CA: With an annual mean wage of $77,600, San Francisco is one of the highest-paying cities for surgical techs.
- Las Vegas, NV: Surgical techs in Las Vegas earn an annual mean wage of $63,880.
- Boston, MA: Boston offers an annual mean wage of $62,970 for surgical technologists.
- New York, NY: Surgical techs in New York City earn an annual mean wage of $61,820.
- Los Angeles, CA: Los Angeles offers an annual mean wage of $61,230 for surgical technologists.
- Chicago, IL: Surgical techs in Chicago earn an annual mean wage of $59,690.
- Houston, TX: Houston offers an annual mean wage of $57,040 for surgical technologists.
- Philadelphia, PA: Surgical techs in Philadelphia earn an annual mean wage of $56,870.
- Atlanta, GA: Atlanta offers an annual mean wage of $54,130 for surgical technologists.
- Miami, FL: Surgical techs in Miami earn an annual mean wage of $51,
The benefits of hourly pay
Many surgical technologists are paid on an hourly basis, which can offer several advantages. Hourly pay allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, as surgical techs can often choose to work additional hours or overtime shifts to increase their earnings. This can be particularly beneficial for those working in hospitals or surgical centers, where procedures may be scheduled outside of regular business hours.
Additionally, hourly pay can provide a more transparent and straightforward compensation structure, as surgical techs are paid directly for the hours they work. This can be especially advantageous in environments where the workload may fluctuate, allowing surgical techs to be compensated accordingly.
What Is the Average Surgical Tech Salary?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the **average annual salary for surgical technologists in the United States is $51,510**. However, it’s important to note that this figure represents an average, and salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, employer, and certification.
To put this salary into perspective, it’s helpful to compare it to similar roles in the medical field. For example, surgical assistants, who work closely with surgeons during operations, earn an average annual salary of $54,310, according to the BLS.
Surgical Technologist Salary by Industry
The industry in which a surgical technologist works can also impact their earning potential. Here’s a breakdown of the average annual salaries for surgical techs in different industries, according to the BLS:
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
| Hospitals (state, local, and private) | $52,130 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $51,280 |
| Offices of Dentists | $46,600 |
| Offices of Physicians | $45,890 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $45,130 |
As you can see, surgical technologists employed in hospitals and outpatient care centers tend to earn higher salaries than those working in dental or physician offices or educational institutions.
How Can I Increase My Salary as a Surgical Tech?
While the average salary for surgical technologists is respectable, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your earning potential in this field.
Complete a Certification Program
One of the most effective ways to increase your salary as a surgical tech is to complete a certification program. While some employers may accept on-the-job training, many prefer or require surgical technologists to hold professional certifications, such as those offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
These certifications demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and competency in the field, making certified surgical techs more valuable to employers and potentially eligible for higher salaries.
Change Industries
As mentioned earlier, the industry in which a surgical technologist works can significantly impact their earning potential. While hospitals and outpatient care centers tend to offer higher salaries, other industries, such as dental offices or educational institutions, may provide alternative employment opportunities with varying compensation levels.
By exploring different industries, surgical techs may be able to find opportunities that better align with their career goals and desired salary range.
Consider Relocating
Location is a crucial factor in determining surgical tech salaries, with some states and metropolitan areas offering significantly higher pay than others. If you’re willing to relocate, you may be able to find opportunities in regions with a higher demand for surgical technologists and a higher cost of living, which can translate into higher salaries.
Additionally, some employers may offer relocation assistance or incentives to attract top talent, which can help offset the costs of moving to a new area.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, surgical technologists play a vital role in the healthcare industry, and their salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, certification, and employer. By understanding the factors that influence surgical tech salaries and exploring strategies to increase your earning potential, you can position yourself for success in this rewarding and in-demand field.
