Surgical Tech Jobs Available Now Across the United States

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.

70%

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

17%

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

How long does it take to become a surgical tech?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most surgical technology programs take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Certificate programs can be finished in as few as 12 months, while associate's degree programs typically take two years. Both types include classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and surgical procedures, as well as supervised clinical rotations in hospital operating rooms.

What is the average salary for a surgical tech?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was approximately $60,610 as of the most recent data. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,400 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,590. Salaries vary based on geographic location, employer type, years of experience, and specialty certifications.

Is there a shortage of surgical techs in the United States?

Yes. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), many hospitals and surgical centers across the country report difficulty filling surgical technologist positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5 percent job growth for surgical technologists from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 8,600 openings expected each year due to growth and replacement needs.

Do surgical techs need to be certified?

Certification requirements vary by state. According to the AST, several states have enacted credentialing legislation that requires surgical technologists to hold a CST or equivalent certification. Even in states without mandatory requirements, the majority of employers strongly prefer or require national certification. Earning the CST credential from the NBSTSA is the most common pathway.

What is the difference between a surgical tech and a surgical nurse?

Surgical technologists (scrub techs) focus on maintaining the sterile field, passing instruments, and assisting the surgeon during operations. Surgical nurses, also known as perioperative nurses or circulating nurses, are registered nurses (RNs) who monitor the patient, administer medications, document the procedure, and coordinate the overall operating room. According to the BLS, surgical nurses require a nursing degree and RN licensure, while surgical techs complete a surgical technology program.

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.