Surgical Technician Salary in USA 2025
Average pay, CST certification premium, and OR role breakdown
BLS Median Annual Salary
How Much Do Surgical Technicians Earn in 2025?
Surgical technicians (also called surgical technologists or scrub techs) are specialized healthcare professionals who work in operating rooms. They prepare surgical equipment, assist surgeons during procedures, maintain sterile environments, and ensure every operation runs smoothly. It's hands-on healthcare work that places you at the center of surgical care.
2025 national data shows BLS median salary around $62,250–$65,810 per year, with typical hourly rates of $27–$31.64/hour. This places surgical techs well above the average for healthcare support occupations and competitive with many technical careers.
Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) earn more at every career stage: starting salaries of $40,000–$50,000 vs. non-certified at $35,000–$45,000, with mid-career CSTs earning $50,000–$60,000 vs. $45,000–$55,000 for non-certified peers. Entry-level positions start around $43,290, while top earners in specialty hospitals and high-paying states can reach $90,700–$95,800. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Average Salary: Base Pay and Ranges
Multiple data sources provide a comprehensive picture of surgical technician compensation in 2025:
| Metric (USA 2025) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| BLS median annual salary | $62,250–$65,810 |
| BLS median hourly wage | $29.93–$31.64/hour |
| PayScale average hourly | $27.00/hour |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $43,290/year ($20.81/hour) |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,830/year ($30.21/hour) |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $77,140/year ($37.09/hour) |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $90,700/year ($43.61/hour) |
For context, the average US salary is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Surgical technicians earn at or above average, with significant upside for experienced professionals and those in high-paying locations. To convert hourly to annual, use our hourly to salary calculator.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience drives significant salary increases in surgical technology:
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $21.75–$22.37/hour | $43,290–$46,530 |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $24.40/hour | $50,750 |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | ~$30/hour | $62,830 |
| Experienced (10–19 years) | $37/hour | $77,140 |
| Senior (20+ years) | $43+/hour | $90,700+ |
Advancement Opportunities
Beyond standard experience progression, surgical technicians can accelerate earnings through:
Lead Scrub Tech: Supervising OR teams, coordinating cases (+$5,000–$10,000)
Surgical First Assistant: Advanced role assisting surgeons directly (requires additional training, +$15,000–$25,000)
Specialty Surgery Focus: Cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedics, robotics (+$5,000–$15,000)
OR Supervisor/Manager: Administrative leadership ($80,000–$100,000+)
Surgical Technician Salary by State
Geographic location significantly impacts surgical technician compensation—with nearly $40,000 difference between highest and lowest paying states.
Highest-Paying States
| State | Average/Median Annual |
|---|---|
| California | $81,120 |
| Nevada | $70,000+ |
| Washington | $68,000+ |
| Arizona | $67,530 |
| Alaska | $66,000+ |
| Oregon | $65,000+ |
| Colorado | $64,000+ |
| Minnesota | $63,000+ |
| Massachusetts | $62,000+ |
| Connecticut | $61,000+ |
Lower-Paying States
Southern and some Midwestern states typically report salaries in the $45,000–$55,000 range. However, lower cost of living in these areas may offset the pay difference.
Top Earner Potential
California's top 10% of surgical techs earn up to $95,800. Other high-ceiling states include Nevada, Washington, and major metro areas in Arizona. Urban teaching hospitals and specialty surgical centers in these states offer the highest compensation.
Urban vs. Rural
Major metro areas pay 20–30% more than rural facilities. A surgical tech in San Francisco or Los Angeles may earn $80,000+, while the same role in rural California might pay $55,000–$65,000.
Salary by Work Setting and Specialty
Facility type and surgical specialty significantly impact compensation—specialty hospitals and complex surgeries pay the most.
Salary by Facility Type
| Work Setting | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Specialty hospitals | $72,050 (highest) |
| Outpatient care centers | $66,810 |
| General medical/surgical hospitals | $66,180 |
| Ambulatory healthcare services | $63,910 |
| Offices of physicians | $58,000–$62,000 |
Salary by Surgical Specialty
Specializing in complex surgical areas commands premium pay:
Cardiovascular surgery: Heart surgeries require extensive knowledge and precision—top end of salary ranges
Neurosurgery: Brain and spine procedures—highly specialized, premium compensation
Orthopedic surgery: Joint replacements, trauma—high volume, steady demand
Robotic surgery: Da Vinci and other robotic platforms—growing specialty with premium pay
Transplant surgery: Organ transplants—complex, high-stakes, top compensation
Specialty focus typically adds $5,000–$15,000 to base salary compared to general surgery roles.
What Surgical Technicians Do: Role and Work Environment
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Surgical technicians: prepare operating rooms before procedures, sterilize and arrange surgical instruments, assist in draping and positioning patients, pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures, hold retractors and assist with suturing, maintain sterile field throughout surgery, count instruments, sponges, and needles before and after procedures, transport patients to and from operating rooms, and prepare specimens for laboratory analysis.
Work Environments
Hospital ORs: Largest employer—varied surgical cases, 24/7 coverage
Ambulatory surgical centers: Outpatient procedures—typically day shifts
Specialty surgical centers: Orthopedic, cardiac, ophthalmology—focused expertise
Labor and delivery units: C-sections and obstetric procedures
Trauma centers: Emergency surgery—high-intensity, varied cases
Work Characteristics
The role requires: physical stamina (standing 8–12 hours), attention to detail and accuracy, ability to work under pressure, strong teamwork and communication, manual dexterity and coordination, and emotional resilience (exposure to blood, trauma, patient outcomes).
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Surgical technology offers strong employment prospects with clear advancement paths.
Employment Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects surgical technologist employment to grow approximately 6% over the next decade—faster than average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 6,500 job openings annually from growth and replacement.
Demand Drivers
Aging population: Older adults require more surgical procedures (joint replacements, cardiac surgeries, cancer surgeries).
Advances in surgical techniques: Minimally invasive and robotic procedures enable more surgeries to be performed safely.
Outpatient surgery growth: Expansion of ambulatory surgical centers creates new positions.
Technological complexity: Advanced equipment requires skilled technicians to operate and maintain.
Career Progression
Typical advancement path: Surgical tech → Senior scrub tech → Lead surgical tech → Surgical first assistant (additional training) → OR supervisor/manager → OR director
Alternative paths include: surgical equipment sales, surgical education/training, hospital administration, or further education (nursing, physician assistant).
How to Increase Your Surgical Technician Salary
Several strategies can significantly boost surgical technician earnings.
Earn CST Certification
The single most impactful credential. CST certification adds $5,000+ at each career stage and is required for most advancement opportunities. Pass the NBSTSA exam—preparation courses and exam fee total approximately $300–$500.
Specialize in High-Demand Surgical Areas
Cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedic, and robotic surgery command premiums. Seek opportunities to train and gain experience in these specialties—each adds $5,000–$15,000 to potential earnings.
Work in Specialty Hospitals or Outpatient Centers
Specialty hospitals pay $72,050 average vs. $66,180 at general hospitals—a $6,000 difference. Outpatient centers also pay well and often offer better work-life balance.
Target High-Paying States and Metro Areas
California pays $81,120 average vs. ~$50,000 in lower-paying states. If relocation is feasible, high-paying states offer 30–60% more compensation. Urban hospitals in any state pay more than rural facilities.
Advance to Lead or First Assistant Roles
Lead tech positions add $5,000–$10,000 annually. Surgical first assistant (with additional training/certification) can add $15,000–$25,000. Demonstrate leadership, reliability, and technical excellence.
Pursue Travel Surgical Tech Positions
Travel assignments pay premium rates (often $1,500–$2,500/week) plus housing stipends. Experienced techs can earn $80,000–$100,000+ through travel positions.
Negotiate Effectively
Know your market value based on certification, experience, and specialty. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average surgical technician salary in 2025?
The BLS median surgical technician salary is $62,250–$65,810 annually ($29.93–$31.64/hour). Entry-level positions start around $43,290, mid-career techs earn approximately $62,830, and top earners exceed $90,700. California top earners can reach $95,800.
How much more do certified surgical technologists (CST) make?
CST certification adds approximately $5,000 at each career stage. Starting CSTs earn $40,000–$50,000 vs. $35,000–$45,000 for non-certified. Mid-career CSTs earn $50,000–$60,000 vs. $45,000–$55,000. The premium compounds over a career to $100,000+ in additional lifetime earnings.
What is entry-level surgical tech salary?
Entry-level surgical technicians typically earn $43,290–$46,530 annually, or $20.81–$22.37/hour. Entry pay varies significantly by state (higher in California, Washington) and facility type (higher in specialty hospitals).
Which states pay surgical technicians the most?
Highest-paying states: California ($81,120), Nevada ($70,000+), Washington ($68,000+), Arizona ($67,530), and Alaska ($66,000+). California top earners reach $95,800. These states pay 30–50% above the national median.
Is surgical technology a good career in 2025?
Yes, for those suited to OR work. The field offers: above-average salary ($62,000+ median), faster-than-average job growth (6% projected), clear advancement paths (lead tech, first assistant, management), job security in healthcare, and direct impact on patient care. Trade-offs include physical demands (standing, lifting), high-pressure environment, exposure to blood and trauma, and shift work (hospitals operate 24/7).