The national surgical tech salary median was $62,830 per year in May 2024, which equals about $30.21 per hour for a standard full-time schedule. Pay varies widely based on location, experience, employer, specialty skills, certification, call responsibilities, overtime, and shift differentials.
For career planning, a realistic national range is roughly $40,000 to more than $80,000 annually. New graduates often start below the median, while experienced surgical technologists in higher-paying markets or specialized roles can earn significantly more.
Surgical Tech Salary at a Glance
| Salary measure | National figure | What it means |
| Median annual salary | $62,830 | Half of surgical technologists earn more and half earn less |
| Median hourly equivalent | $30.21 | Annual median divided by 2,080 standard work hours |
| Mean annual salary | $62,250 | Average wage from detailed national data |
| Lower-range benchmark | $40,640 | 10th-percentile annual wage |
| Early-career benchmark | $49,940 | 25th-percentile annual wage |
| Upper-range benchmark | $72,520 | 75th-percentile annual wage |
| High-earner benchmark | $83,150 | 90th-percentile annual wage |
| Employment outlook | 5% growth | Projected 2024–2034 growth for surgical assistants and technologists |
The national median is the most useful starting point, but it should not be treated as an automatic starting salary. Job offers reflect local pay scales, employer demand, clinical background, credentials, specialty experience, and total compensation.
What Does a Surgical Tech Make?
Most surgical technologists fall somewhere between the lower and upper national wage benchmarks. Detailed wage data placed the middle 50% of workers between $49,940 and $72,520 annually, while the highest-paid 10% earned at least $83,150.
A surgical technologist’s pay can move above or below that range for several reasons:
- State and metropolitan wage levels
- Years of operating-room experience
- Certified Surgical Technologist status
- Specialty skills and procedural complexity
- Hospital, outpatient, or specialty-facility employment
- Evening, night, weekend, holiday, and call coverage
- Overtime opportunities
- Union agreements or structured clinical pay ladders
- Benefits, bonuses, and employer retirement contributions
Salary research is most useful when it separates base pay from total compensation. A lower listed hourly rate may still produce stronger annual earnings if the role includes paid call, regular shift premiums, affordable health insurance, retirement matching, and paid continuing education.
Read more: Surgical Tech Salary
Surgical Tech Salary by Experience
Experience raises value because operating-room employers depend on surgical technologists who can maintain sterile technique, anticipate case needs, handle instruments confidently, and communicate effectively with the surgical team.
Entry-Level Surgical Tech Salary
There is no single national entry-level wage because employers use different pay scales. However, the lower national wage benchmarks provide a useful expectation range for new graduates.
An entry-level surgical tech may earn closer to the lower end of the national scale, particularly during orientation or in lower-paying markets. Early offers may improve when a graduate has completed an accredited program, qualifies for certification, has strong clinical references, or accepts shifts with premium pay.
The first job should also be evaluated for long-term learning value. A hospital with strong preceptorship, broad case exposure, tuition support, specialty rotations, and a clear wage progression may provide a better long-term return than a slightly higher starting rate in a limited role.
Surgical Technologist Salary After Three to Five Years
After three to five years, earnings can move closer to or above the national median when a surgical technologist can work independently, cover several surgical services, take call, assist with urgent cases, and support new staff or students.
At this stage, salary growth often comes from:
- Moving into a stronger local labor market
- Building experience in multiple service lines
- Developing orthopedic, cardiovascular, trauma, robotics, neuro, or vascular expertise
- Becoming certified when certification expands job eligibility
- Taking premium shifts or call assignments
- Moving from a small facility to a larger hospital system
- Qualifying for a clinical ladder, lead role, or specialty assignment
Experienced Surgical Tech Salary
Experienced surgical technologists can reach the upper part of the wage range when they combine proven technical ability with a favorable market or specialty. Higher earnings usually reflect a combination of experience, complexity, flexibility, and staffing demand rather than years worked alone.
Technologists who can scrub complex cases, support multiple surgeons, manage rapid turnovers, cover emergency procedures, and work difficult schedules may be better positioned for higher pay. In addition, lead roles, educator responsibilities, supply coordination, equipment expertise, and specialty service-line assignments can strengthen earning potential.
Surgical Tech Salary by State
Salary by state can vary significantly. Higher-paying states may offer stronger nominal wages, but local expenses can reduce the practical advantage of a larger paycheck. Compare pay with housing costs, transportation, taxes, insurance, parking, and relocation expenses before deciding whether a move makes financial sense.
| State or District | Median annual salary | Approximate hourly equivalent | Pay context |
| Hawaii | $82,640 | $39.73 | Highest reported median, with very high living costs |
| Oregon | $81,390 | $39.13 | Strong nominal pay relative to many markets |
| California | $81,310 | $39.09 | Wide variation between metropolitan and regional employers |
| Massachusetts | $80,870 | $38.88 | Large academic and hospital markets; high urban costs |
| Alaska | $80,380 | $38.64 | Smaller job market; geographic factors can affect openings |
| Minnesota | $80,210 | $38.56 | Competitive salary with relatively favorable purchasing power in many areas |
| Connecticut | $79,890 | $38.41 | Higher nominal pay with higher regional living costs |
| New York | $79,550 | $38.25 | Considerable difference between New York City and other areas |
| District of Columbia | $77,520 | $37.27 | High-cost urban labor market |
| Washington | $77,270 | $37.15 | Higher wage market with elevated expenses in many communities |
| Wisconsin | $74,120 | $35.63 | Competitive wage level and moderate costs in many areas |
| Colorado | $75,740 | $36.41 | Metropolitan and employer differences are significant |
| Arizona | $72,260 | $34.74 | Pay varies across growing healthcare markets |
| Virginia | $67,580 | $32.49 | Wide difference between Northern Virginia and other regions |
| Texas | $65,220 | $31.36 | Large market with substantial city-to-city variation |
| Georgia | $64,010 | $30.77 | Metro area and employer type shape actual offers |
| Florida | $62,440 | $30.02 | Compensation varies across health systems and regions |
| Utah | $62,720 | $30.15 | Specialty and employer mix can influence rates |
| Tennessee | $60,530 | $29.10 | Lower costs may improve purchasing power |
| West Virginia | $49,110 | $23.61 | Lower reported median compared with national benchmarks |
| Alabama | $49,420 | $23.76 | Compare benefits and local expenses alongside base pay |
State figures are best used as a starting point rather than a promise. A surgical tech salary by state can differ considerably within the same state because large metropolitan hospitals, academic medical centers, trauma facilities, and specialty surgery centers may use different wage structures.
Best States for Surgical Tech Salaries
Hawaii, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Alaska, Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, the District of Columbia, and Washington are among the stronger nominal wage markets in the table above.
However, the best state for an individual depends on more than salary. A lower-paying market with manageable housing, lower commuting costs, good benefits, and regular hours may offer a better quality of life than a high-paying market with expensive housing and frequent mandatory call.
Before relocating, compare:
- Local job postings and stated wage ranges.
- Expected call, weekend, and holiday requirements.
- Cost of rent, transportation, taxes, and childcare.
- Benefits costs and retirement contributions.
- Availability of specialty training and advancement opportunities.
Surgical Tech Hourly Pay, Overtime, and Differentials
The national median annual wage converts to approximately $30.21 per hour. Actual surgical tech hourly pay may be higher or lower depending on the employer’s pay structure and the schedule.
| Compensation component | Why it matters |
| Base hourly rate | The starting point for comparing job offers |
| Evening or night differential | Additional hourly pay for later shifts |
| Weekend or holiday differential | Premium compensation for less desirable coverage |
| On-call pay | Payment for being available outside scheduled hours |
| Callback pay | Compensation for returning to work after normal hours |
| Overtime | Can materially increase annual earnings |
| CST differential | Employer-specific pay for certification |
| Sign-on or retention bonus | One-time payment that may have repayment conditions |
| Benefits package | Health insurance, retirement, paid leave, and education support affect total value |
Ask employers whether their advertised wage includes only base pay or reflects estimated earnings with differentials. Also ask about overtime thresholds, call frequency, callback minimums, and whether call time is paid even when no procedure occurs.
CST vs. Non-CST: Does Certification Affect Pay?
A Certified Surgical Technologist credential can expand job eligibility and strengthen a candidate’s position during hiring, promotion, and salary discussions. However, there is no universal national salary premium that applies to every CST.
Many employers prefer or require certification, and some states have certification or credentialing rules for surgical technologists. Individual employers may offer a certification differential, place certified applicants higher within a wage band, or make CST status a requirement for advancement.
| Status | Employment impact | Potential pay impact |
| Non-certified surgical tech | May have fewer options where employers or state rules require credentials | No consistent national salary difference applies |
| Certified Surgical Technologist | May qualify for more roles and formal advancement pathways | May receive a differential or better wage-band placement, depending on employer policy |
| Specialty-experienced CST | Combines recognized credentials with clinical value | Often has stronger negotiating leverage in competitive markets |
Before accepting a job, ask:
- Is certification required, preferred, or optional?
- Does certification affect starting pay or annual increases?
- Is there a separate CST differential?
- Will the employer cover exam, renewal, or continuing-education costs?
- Does certification affect eligibility for lead, educator, or specialty roles?
Surgical Tech Salary by Employer Type
Employer setting can affect hourly rates, shift demands, benefits, learning opportunities, and long-term income potential.
| Employer type | Pay potential | Schedule pattern | Best for |
| Acute-care hospital | Often competitive, especially with call and differentials | May include nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency cases | Broad operating-room experience and specialty development |
| Academic medical center | May use structured pay grades and clinical ladders | Variable; may involve complex cases and teaching | Advanced case exposure and career development |
| Ambulatory surgery center | Can be competitive depending on specialty and local market | Often more predictable weekday schedules | Those prioritizing outpatient workflow and regular hours |
| Specialty surgical facility | May reward hard-to-find specialty knowledge | Depends on procedure volume and specialty | Technologists seeking focused expertise |
| Travel or temporary assignment | May advertise higher rates | Assignment-based; travel and flexibility required | Experienced technologists comfortable with changing locations |
A high travel rate should be reviewed carefully. Separate the taxable base wage from stipends, housing support, travel reimbursement, guaranteed hours, cancellation policies, and benefits before comparing it with a permanent hospital job.
Surgical Tech Salary by Specialty
No national salary schedule guarantees that one surgical specialty pays more than another. Still, certain specialties may raise a surgical technologist’s value because they require advanced procedural knowledge, specialized instrumentation, complex equipment, or availability for urgent cases.
| Specialty | Potential earning impact | Why it can matter |
| Cardiovascular surgery | May improve competitiveness in some markets | Complex procedures and specialized instruments |
| Neurosurgery | May support stronger opportunities in high-acuity settings | Precision equipment and detailed procedural workflows |
| Orthopedic surgery | Often valuable in hospitals and specialty centers | High case volumes, implants, and instrument systems |
| Robotic surgery | Can expand eligibility for technology-focused operating rooms | Equipment setup, workflow, and team coordination |
| Trauma surgery | Premium shifts or call may increase annual compensation | Urgent and unpredictable case coverage |
| Transplant surgery | Can be valuable at major medical centers | Highly specialized procedures and teams |
| Labor and delivery | May create differential opportunities | Urgent procedures and after-hours staffing needs |
Choose a specialty based on local demand, interest, lifestyle, schedule tolerance, and the employer’s actual compensation structure. The highest theoretical earning potential is not always the best long-term fit.
Surgical Tech Salary vs. Similar Healthcare Careers
Career researchers often compare surgical technology with other allied-health and clinical roles. Salary is important, but training length, licensure, clinical responsibility, schedule, and career mobility also matter.
| Career | Typical education path | Median annual pay | Main difference |
| Surgical technologist | Certificate or associate-level program | $62,830 | Supports surgeons and nurses in the sterile operating-room environment |
| Medical assistant | Postsecondary certificate or diploma | $44,200 | Combines administrative and clinical support, commonly in outpatient care |
| Radiologic technologist | Associate degree | $78,980 | Performs diagnostic imaging procedures |
| Respiratory therapist | Associate degree | $80,450 | Assesses and treats patients with breathing-related conditions |
| Registered nurse | Diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree | $93,600 | Holds broader clinical responsibilities and nursing licensure |
Higher-paying careers may require longer education, different prerequisites, state licensure, more extensive patient-care responsibility, or more demanding schedules. Compare the cost and duration of training with your interests, academic strengths, lifestyle needs, and desired career ceiling.
Can Surgical Techs Make $100,000 a Year?
A surgical technologist can potentially reach $100,000 in total annual earnings, but it is not the typical base-pay outcome. The national upper wage benchmarks are below that amount, meaning most six-figure totals require multiple favorable conditions.
Possible paths include:
- Working in a high-paying metropolitan market
- Earning substantial overtime, callback, and shift-differential pay
- Taking frequent call or difficult-to-fill shifts
- Completing high-paying travel or temporary assignments
- Developing high-demand specialty skills
- Advancing into lead, educator, supply, or related perioperative roles
- Pursuing additional education for a different role with a higher pay ceiling
Consider the trade-offs. A six-figure annual total may involve extended hours, heavy call responsibilities, travel, high housing costs, or a role that carries broader duties than a standard staff position.
How to Evaluate a Surgical Tech Job Offer
The strongest job offer is not always the one with the highest hourly number. Review the entire compensation package and the professional opportunities attached to it.
Surgical Tech Offer Checklist
- Confirm the base hourly rate and full salary range.
- Ask where the offer falls within the employer’s wage band.
- Verify certification requirements and any CST differential.
- Request written details on evening, night, weekend, holiday, call, and callback pay.
- Clarify overtime eligibility and calculation methods.
- Ask about orientation duration, case mix, and service-line expectations.
- Compare health insurance premiums, deductibles, retirement contributions, paid leave, and tuition support.
- Review sign-on bonus repayment terms before accepting.
- Calculate commuting, parking, childcare, housing, and relocation expenses.
- Ask how raises, clinical ladders, promotions, and specialty advancement are handled.
Salary Negotiation Example
Use a professional, evidence-based request:
“I hold CST certification, have three years of orthopedic and general-surgery experience, and can take call. Based on the role’s posted range and my ability to support multiple service lines, could we discuss placement closer to the upper half of the pay band?”
This approach links the request to skills that employers can evaluate: credential status, relevant experience, coverage flexibility, and clinical capability.
How These Salary Figures Are Calculated
National wage figures in this guide use federal occupational wage and outlook data. The national median annual salary represents the midpoint of reported earnings, while the detailed wage range uses percentile data to show how pay is distributed across the profession.
Salary tables should be interpreted carefully:
- Median pay is not the same as mean pay.
- A state median is not always directly comparable with a national mean.
- Base wages do not include every bonus, benefit, reimbursement, or premium.
- Travel job advertisements may combine taxable wages and non-wage reimbursements.
- Local employer pay ranges can change faster than broad government wage data.
For a real job search, combine national benchmarks with current local job postings, employer compensation policies, and your own living-cost estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average surgical tech salary in the United States?
The national median annual pay for surgical technologists is $62,830, or approximately $30.21 per hour for a standard full-time schedule. Actual earnings can differ substantially because pay is influenced by state and metro area, experience, employer type, specialty skills, certification, call requirements, overtime, and shift differentials. The median is the midpoint, meaning half of workers earn more and half earn less.
How much does an entry-level surgical tech make?
There is no universal entry-level rate, but new graduates often begin below the national median while completing orientation and developing independent operating-room skills. A practical national reference range is the lower wage band, particularly the 10th- and 25th-percentile figures of $40,640 and $49,940. Local demand, clinical performance, certification eligibility, employer type, and premium-shift availability can all affect a first offer.
What is the surgical tech hourly pay rate?
The national median annual salary converts to roughly $30.21 per hour based on 2,080 work hours annually. The actual base rate can be different, and total hourly earnings may rise with evening, night, weekend, holiday, on-call, callback, overtime, or certification differentials. When comparing jobs, ask for written details of each premium rather than relying only on the advertised base wage.
What states pay surgical techs the most?
Higher nominal wage markets include Hawaii, Oregon, California, Massachusetts, Alaska, Minnesota, Connecticut, New York, the District of Columbia, and Washington. However, a higher annual salary does not always create the best financial outcome. Compare regional housing, taxes, commuting, benefits, shift expectations, and local pay ranges before relocating. Metropolitan areas within the same state can also have sharply different compensation structures.
Does CST certification increase surgical technologist salary?
CST certification may improve job access and career mobility, but it does not guarantee one standard nationwide raise. Some employers require certification, offer a certification differential, or place certified applicants higher in their wage range. Others may value the credential primarily for eligibility and advancement. Ask whether certification changes starting pay, annual increases, bonus eligibility, clinical-ladder access, or employer-paid renewal and continuing-education support.
Can surgical techs make $100,000 a year?
It is possible, but it is not the typical base-pay outcome. A six-figure annual total may require high-paying locations, specialty expertise, substantial overtime, paid call and callback work, difficult schedules, or travel assignments. It can also reflect leadership duties or a related role with broader responsibilities. Before pursuing a higher-paying position, consider whether the income depends on hours, travel, cost of living, and work-life trade-offs.
What is the highest-paying surgical tech specialty?
There is no universal specialty ranking because pay policies differ by employer and region. Cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, trauma, robotics, transplant, and other high-complexity services can improve marketability where skilled surgical technologists are in demand. The strongest salary impact usually comes from combining specialty expertise with certification, dependable case performance, schedule flexibility, and a competitive local labor market.
Do travel surgical techs make more money?
Travel assignments can advertise higher weekly or hourly compensation, but they are not always more profitable after expenses and uncertainty. Compare taxable base pay, housing and meal stipends, guaranteed hours, travel reimbursement, benefit eligibility, cancellation policies, assignment length, and local credential requirements. A higher listed rate may compensate for limited job security, frequent moves, irregular schedules, or the loss of permanent employee benefits.
How much can a CST make after five years?
There is no single national salary for a Certified Surgical Technologist with five years of experience. Earnings depend on geographic market, employer, specialty background, call and overtime participation, and whether the facility pays a certification differential. A CST who can work across multiple service lines or scrub complex orthopedic, cardiovascular, robotic, trauma, or neuro cases may be more competitive for above-median opportunities than someone with narrower experience.
Is surgical tech school worth the cost?
Surgical tech school can be worthwhile when tuition is manageable, the program provides reliable clinical placements, the education supports certification eligibility, and local job demand matches your income goals. Before enrolling, verify program accreditation, total tuition and fees, completion rates, clinical-site arrangements, certification outcomes, financial-aid options, and realistic local starting pay. Compare expected debt with the wage ranges and long-term advancement opportunities available in your intended market.
