Surgical Tech Salary

Finding a career that offers both job security and a high salary is difficult in the current economic climate. Choosing to train as a surgical technologist is a smart choice for two specific reasons: the first is that the massive growth of surgical technologist jobs is expected to continue expanding through 2018. For every single surgeon employed by a hospital, there are at least 5 open position for surgical technologists. This projected number of jobs over the next 6 years is consistently higher for surgical technologists than the number for other professions, guaranteeing that you will be able to find a position relatively quickly after graduation.

The second reason is the salary. Depending on whether or not you choose to become nationally certified will affect the amount of salary you can expect to earn through work as a surgical tech. The numbers, however, are above average compared to other entry-level professions. The top 10% of surgical technologists earn over $57,000 a year, while entry-level and un-certified techs can earn around $39,000 after a few years of work and experience. Nationally certified technologists can expect to earn more.

Salary and Job Potential

Where you decide to work, what medical industry you pursue a career in, and whether or not you decide to become nationally certified will determine what type of position you can take post-graduation and what salary you can expect to earn.

Currently, the most highly paid surgical technologist jobs are in the offices of other health practicioners, with a median salary of $55,840 a year. The three next highest paid surgical technologist positions are in employment services ($48,460), colleges and professional schools ($47,590), specialty hospitals ($46,630), and in ambulatory health care services ($44,030). Because most positions for surgical technologists are in hospitals, the best chance for a high salary without certification is in employment services.

Where you choose to work can also have an impact on your salary. Currently, Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska, District of Columbia, and California offer the highest pay for surgical technologists, ranging from $50,690 in Nevada to $48,820 in California. Keep in mind the cost of living in the area you choose to work when calculating your yearly income. Experience can also make a difference in pay. As you gain more and more experience and come into your own as a surgical technologist, you will be eligible for higher and higher pay.

Surgical technologists have the unique ability to grow in their career as they gain more and more experience. You may choose to specialize in a certain field of medicine, such as neuroscience, or you may choose move into another sector of health care. The potential surgical technologists have to become highly effective, well-paid members of the medical professional is limitless in the current job market.

Certification

The highest paid jobs are reserved for surgical technologists that have become nationally certified. Becoming nationally certified substantially increases your chances of obtaining a high-paid surgical technologist position in the hospital or private office of your choice. To become certified, you must pass the exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (NBSTSA). If you have graduated from an accredited school or program you are eligible to sit for the exam in the last month of your training or within a year of graduation. To check on your school’s certification, check out the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) website. The CAAHEP has approved over 400 schools to teach surgical technology since 2001, making it very likely that your school has qualified you to take the national exam. Once you have passed your exam, you may use the title CST – Certified Surgical Technologist.

As most surgeons prefer to work with certified surgical techs, and many states are currently working on legislation that would make it compulsory for hospitals to hire only certified techs, becoming certified is almost always the best choice for your future. It will ensure a better position and a higher salary than a diploma or degree alone. The certificate must be renewed every 4 years and requires surgical techs to continue their education as medical advances are made and undergo reexamination.

Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.

Top Surgical Tech Schools

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  American Career College

  American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.

  Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

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  Carrington College California

  Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

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  Harrison College

  Harrison College is a nationally accredited college with more than 75,000 graduates. We offer a unique learning environment for students who want to pursue a career-focused, quality education and complete their degree in a student-centered atmosphere. In order to achieve your goals, we believe it’s important for us to take the time to get to know you. In fact, our students are often surprised at the one-on-one attention they receive here as compared to other institutions. You’ll experience it throughout every stage of your Harrison experience, from our Admissions Representatives to our Career Services staff and financial aid analysts to our course instructors. Each of us believes it is our goal to help you achieve yours.

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  Fortis Institute

  At FORTIS, students are provided the skills and training needed to enter careers in industries that have employment opportunity over time. What industries you ask? FORTIS offers career education and training programs in the nursing, healthcare, medical, dental, business, information technology, skilled trades, massage and cosmetology career fields. That makes Fortis a post-secondary network of colleges and institutes with a wide variety of educational choices!

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  Everest University

  At Everest University, our entire approach to education begins with the student in mind. We’re all about helping our students realize their dreams for a better future.

  We offer career training programs for jobs that are currently in high demand. This means your training can place you in a strong position to compete for the job of choice when it comes time to launch your career or move up the ladder where you’re presently employed.

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  Anthem Institute

  Anthem Institute delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries. At Anthem Institute, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. We offer programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills. Our knowledgeable and qualified admissions staff advise students on programs that match their career goals. Start your journey today to earn the credentials you need to excel in tomorrow’s workforce.

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  Heritage College

  Every Heritage school (Heritage Institute & Heritage College) helps real people build real careers. Our schools offer programs and degrees for a career as an X-Ray Medical Technician®, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Surgical Technologist, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, or Cosmetologist. Please note that all programs may not be offered at all schools.

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  Summit College

  The Mission of Summit College is to provide adult learners the skills and technological knowledge necessary to achieve success in their chosen vocational field. We recognize that education is vital in developing opportunities for the student to become a productive part of society and is essential in promoting the individuals sense of worth, values, and high ethical standards. The College is committed to offering quality education that meets the needs of its students and assisting them in pursuing their educational goals.

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  Lincoln Technical Institute

  Since 1946, Lincoln Technical institute has been helping students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. Our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.

  What sets Lincoln Technical Institute apart from other schools? Quite a few things, actually; our training programs emphasize experiential, interactive learning activities – that means you’ll do the job before you take the job.

  But our strengths go beyond that. our Lincoln instructors possess a combination of seasoned teaching skills, subject matter expertise and real world experience. Plus, we’ve built working partnerships with important industry contacts in your area. So when you graduate, we’ll help you find a good position and start your career off right.

  When it comes to choosing a post-secondary educational institution, keep this in mind: Our dedication to your success sets us apart from the competition – and the specialized, career-focused training you’ll receive at Lincoln will set you apart from yours. Lincoln Technical Institute offers flexible daytime and evening programs to accommodate your busy schedule. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify and Career Placement Assistance is available upon graduation.

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  Anthem College

  Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.

  At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.