Surgical Tech Jobs Available Now Across the United States
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RWJBarnabas Health
Patient Care Technician Med Surg FT Days
Windsor Healthcare Recruitment Group, Inc.
Patient Care Technician - Patient Care Technician
Northern Nevada Medical Center
CNA / Patient Care Technician
Northern Nevada Medical Center
CNA / Patient Care Technician
Saint Vincent Hospital
Employed Cardiothoracic First Assist Opportunity - Modesto, CA
Medical City Surgery Center Fort Worth
Certified Surgical Technician
Concentric Healthcare
Sterile Processing Technician
Houston Methodist
Sterile Processing Technician
Surgery Partners
Sterile Processing Technician
Growth Ortho
Sterile Processing Technician
EyeSouth Partners
Sterile Processing Technician
South Shore Health
Sterile Processing Technician
Kaiser Permanente
Sterile Processing Technician, On-Call, S Baltimore
Johns Hopkins HealthCare
Certified Sterile Processing Technician
Texas Children's Hospital
Certified Sterile Processing Technician (CSPT)
Boston Children's Hospital
Sterile Processing Technician III
Boston Children's Hospital
Sterile Processing Technician II
MUSC
Certified Surgical Tech I or II - Main Operating R
Soliant Health
Travel Certified Surgical Tech - Hampton, Virginia
Zenex Partners
SMH Level 4 Surgical Tech
Soliant Health
Travel Surgical Tech in El Cajon, CA
Mission Hospital
Allied / Tech - Surgical Tech
Surgical Care Affiliates
Surgical Tech Certified - Surgical Center of Greensboro
Ascension
Surgical Tech Cardiovascular
Ascension
Surgical Tech
Voyage Health
Travel ALLIED-CST-Certified Surgical Tech in Uniontown, Pennsylvania
GAMMA SURGERY CENTER LLC
Surgical Tech
Ascension
Certified Surgical Tech
HCA Florida Ocala Hospital
Surgical Tech
Catholic Medical Center
Surgical Tech-Certified
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Types of Surgical Tech Positions
Surgical technologists play a critical role in the operating room, and the profession offers diverse career paths depending on your interests and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists are employed across a variety of healthcare settings, from large teaching hospitals to specialized outpatient surgery centers.
Hospital Surgical Technologist
Assist surgeons during operations in hospital operating rooms, handling instruments, sutures, and sterile supplies across multiple surgical specialties
Ambulatory Surgery Center Tech
Work in outpatient surgical facilities performing same day procedures with a focus on fast paced patient turnover and efficient room preparation
Travel Surgical Tech
Take short term assignments at hospitals and surgical centers across the country, often with premium pay, housing stipends, and travel reimbursement
Orthopedic Surgical Tech
Specialize in bone and joint surgeries including replacements, fracture repairs, and arthroscopic procedures, managing specialized orthopedic instruments
Cardiovascular Surgical Tech
Assist in open heart surgeries, valve replacements, and vascular procedures in high acuity operating rooms with specialized cardiac instrumentation
First Assistant Surgical Tech
Take on an expanded role by providing direct surgical assistance including tissue retraction, hemostasis, and wound closure under surgeon supervision
How to Become a Certified Surgical Tech
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists typically complete a postsecondary education program and earn national certification. The following steps outline the most common pathway into this rewarding healthcare career.
Complete an Accredited Surgical Technology Program
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree from an accredited program. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits over 450 surgical technology programs across the United States.
Complete Clinical Rotations
Accredited programs include supervised clinical rotations in hospital operating rooms where students gain hands on experience assisting in real surgical procedures across multiple specialties.
Earn National Certification
According to the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), graduates can earn the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential by passing a national certification examination. Many employers require or strongly prefer CST certification.
Obtain State Credentials if Required
According to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), several states have enacted legislation requiring surgical technologists to hold specific credentials. Requirements vary by state and may include certification, registration, or licensure.
Maintain Continuing Education
The NBSTSA requires CST holders to complete continuing education credits for recertification. This ensures surgical techs stay current with evolving surgical techniques, instruments, and safety protocols.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NBSTSA, and the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
Surgical Tech Salary Overview
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was approximately $60,610. Compensation increases with experience, specialty skills, and geographic location. Travel surgical techs often earn significantly more due to premium pay structures and additional stipends.
Entry Level (0 to 2 years)
$42,000 to $50,000
New graduates from accredited programs, many employers offer sign on bonuses
Mid Career (3 to 7 years)
$50,000 to $60,000
Experienced techs with specialty skills command higher base pay
Senior (8+ years)
$58,000 to $72,000
Lead surgical techs and those with first assistant credentials
Travel Surgical Tech
$65,000 to $95,000+
Premium pay plus housing stipends, travel, and per diem allowances
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
What Does a Surgical Tech Do Every Day?
Surgical technologists are essential members of the surgical team, responsible for ensuring that every operation runs safely and efficiently. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists, the following core responsibilities define the daily work of a scrub tech in the operating room.
Prepare the Operating Room
Set up sterile fields, arrange surgical instruments, verify equipment functionality, and ensure all necessary supplies are available before the patient arrives
Scrub In and Maintain Sterile Technique
Perform surgical hand scrub procedures, gown and glove using aseptic technique, and maintain the sterile field throughout the entire surgical procedure
Pass Instruments and Supplies
Anticipate the surgeon's needs and hand off instruments, sutures, sponges, and other materials during the operation with precision and efficiency
Handle Surgical Specimens
Properly label, contain, and process tissue specimens removed during surgery according to facility protocols and pathology department requirements
Count Instruments and Sponges
Perform mandatory counts of all instruments, sponges, needles, and sharps before, during, and after the procedure to prevent retained foreign objects
Assist with Wound Closure
Prepare suture materials, apply dressings, and assist the surgical team during the closing phase of the operation
Where Surgical Techs Work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists are employed in a variety of healthcare settings. The following breakdown shows the distribution of employment across the most common work environments.
Hospital Operating Rooms
The majority of surgical techs work in hospital ORs handling a wide variety of surgical specialties including general, orthopedic, cardiac, and neurological procedures
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Outpatient facilities performing same day surgeries often offer more predictable schedules with fewer nights, weekends, and on call shifts
Physician Offices
Some surgical techs work in specialty physician offices that perform in office procedures such as dermatology, podiatry, or plastic surgery
Dental and Specialty Clinics
Oral surgery practices and specialty clinics hire surgical techs to assist with complex procedures requiring sterile technique
Travel and Agency Assignments
Staffing agencies place traveling surgical techs at facilities facing temporary shortages, often with premium compensation packages
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Certifications for Surgical Technologists
National certification validates your competency and is required or preferred by the vast majority of employers. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists, holding a recognized credential significantly improves job prospects and earning potential.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Provider: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
The gold standard certification for surgical techs. According to the NBSTSA, the CST exam tests knowledge in perioperative patient care, surgical procedures, sterile technique, and instrumentation. Many states and employers require this credential.
Tech in Surgery Certified (TS C)
Provider: National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
An alternative national certification recognized by many employers. Validates competency in surgical technology principles, patient safety, and operating room procedures.
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Provider: NBSTSA
An advanced credential for experienced surgical techs who perform expanded duties including tissue handling, hemostasis, and wound closure. Requires additional education and clinical experience beyond CST.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Provider: American Heart Association
Required by virtually all employers. According to the American Heart Association, BLS certification ensures healthcare professionals can perform high quality CPR and use an automated external defibrillator.
Top States Hiring Surgical Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, states with the highest employment levels for surgical technologists are those with large hospital networks and high surgical volumes. The following states consistently show the strongest demand for qualified scrub techs.
California
Highest employment level for surgical techs with average salaries exceeding $65,000 annually
Texas
Rapidly expanding hospital systems with consistent demand and competitive signing bonuses
New York
High concentration of major medical centers and teaching hospitals with strong union representation
Florida
Large retiree population drives high surgical volumes, especially in orthopedics and cardiovascular
Pennsylvania
Dense network of hospital systems and surgical centers with strong educational pipeline programs
Ohio
Major health systems like Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State create steady demand across the state
Surgical Tech Job Market Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for surgical technologists is expected to remain strong as the volume of surgical procedures continues to rise. An aging population requiring more surgeries, advances in surgical techniques, and ongoing workforce shortages in operating rooms are all contributing to sustained hiring activity across the country.
+5%
Projected job growth for surgical technologists from 2022 to 2032 according to the BLS
8,600
Estimated annual openings for surgical techs due to growth and workforce replacement needs
$60,610
Median annual wage for surgical technologists per the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Technologists
Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Tech Jobs
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Is there a shortage of surgical techs in the United States?
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What is the difference between a surgical tech and a surgical nurse?
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, medical, or legal advice. Salary figures, job growth projections, certification requirements, and state regulations are based on publicly available data and may vary by employer, state, and individual circumstances. Always consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov, the Association of Surgical Technologists at ast.org, and the NBSTSA at nbstsa.org for the most current and applicable information. Job seekers should verify all position requirements directly with the hiring organization before applying.