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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  Concorde Career College

  With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

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  Everest College

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

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  Everest Institute

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

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  Everest University

  Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

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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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  Pittsburgh Technical Institute

  As the market place continues to become more competitive, rewarding those with the right training for the job, Pittsburgh Technical Institute is ideally positioned to give you the skills you need to compete. In fact, you can choose to get your certificate or associate degree at our convenient North Fayette campus in several emerging industries, including:

  • Technology
  • Business
  • Health Care
  • Design
  • Building Technology
  • Criminal Justice

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  Colorado Technical University

  Colorado Technical University takes a high-tech, highly personalized approach to providing motivated students with the comprehensive resources they need to identify, pursue and enhance their careers in a broad range of technology dependent industries. Our multiple campus and online university network offers industry-current Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degree programs in the fields of:

  • Business and Management
  • Criminal Justice and Public Administration
  • Health Sciences
  • Engineering and Computer Science
  • Information Systems and Technology
    With flexible formats and technology-rich learning options, CTU students are free to personalize learning preferences that conform to their individual lifestyles and responsibilities. Our technology-rich curricula promote connectivity and interactivity between classmates, educators and administrators, and our student-centric support services are held to the highest standards in the industry.

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  Sanford-Brown College

  For over 140 years, Sanford-Brown College has provided career-oriented postsecondary educational programs. Our institution offers focused, innovative, quality short-term programs in the fields of business and healthcare. At Sanford-Brown, we have focused our study programs, which enable you the opportunity to develop your skills effectively to meet your specific career goals. Plus, our programs focus on the essential concepts and skills most employers look for in entry-level employees. Our goal is to provide you with the practical information and experience you need to get your foot in the door. The secret to our success is that we do not require students to take courses that are not directly supportive of their career goals.

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  Southeastern College

  As a student at Southeastern College, you will gain the training, skills, and knowledge you need to start a rewarding career in growing occupations such as practical nursing, emergency medical services, medical assisting, massage therapy, and pharmacy technology. Our career-focused programs and flexible class schedules make Southeastern a great choice for busy working adults.