Surgical teams depend on skilled professionals who keep the operating room sterile and ready for every procedure. Operating room techs or surgical techs prepare equipment for surgery. They are also responsible for supporting doctors and healthcare providers during operations and helping reduce infection risks.
For those considering a role like this, it’s necessary to note that this is a hands-on career path. It suits people who can stay focused under pressure and enjoy working as part of an operating room team. Choosing this career means entering a field with steady demand and room for advancement; OR tech jobs and surgical tech jobs offer opportunities across the country in hospitals, outpatient facilities, and other specialized facilities.
Tech Duties in the Operating Room
An OR tech has a unique position in healthcare, working with surgeons and nurses before surgery, during it, and long after it has been completed. Surgical techs often prepare the operating room, sterilize equipment, arrange instruments, and take counts to ensure supplies are available and accounted for before and after the operation.
Technicians may also help prepare patients. Their duties might include positioning the patient on the operating table or disinfecting the surgical site, for example, though the role varies by employer.
During surgery, the tech may pass instruments to the surgeon, or they might be in charge of getting supplies when requested. They are often responsible for tracking instruments and sponges, helping ensure all tools are removed from the patient before they’re sutured.
Some techs support robotic surgery or handle specimens for laboratory testing. Others hold retractors under the direction of the surgeon. Their role may be similar to nurses or residents in the surgery suite, which is why this job can be so interesting and varied from day to day.
OR Tech vs. Surgical Tech: Is There a Difference?
OR tech, surgical tech, and surgical technologist are all different names for the same operating room role. “Surgical technologist” is the formal title used by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but employers often use OR tech or surgical technician in job postings.
The core duties of the role generally stay the same regardless of the title. Professionals in the field will assist the surgical team, prepare the room, help with tool sterilization, and sometimes support cleanup as well.
Why Become an OR Tech or Surgical Tech?
Many people become OR techs because they love the idea of getting into surgery but want to begin working faster than a surgical residency would allow for. This patient-facing role has steady demand and may require as little as a certification in the field.
Surgical technology offers room for advancement. Experienced techs might go on to pursue surgical first-assistant training, for example, but others might move into education or surgical services management.
Another important note is that the field is expanding. The BLS shows that the number of jobs in 2024 was 141,000, but the field is expected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034. That averages out to at least 6,500 new roles, alongside openings from those who leave the field due to retirement or other reasons.
OR/Surgical Tech Salary and Job Outlook
The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,480 for surgical technologists in 2024. That equals about $30.04 per hour. Exactly how much a tech earns will depend on where they work. For instance, surgical technologists working in outpatient care centers earned a median annual salary of $63,270. Those working in hospitals earned slightly less at a median annual wage of $63,260.
ZipRecruiter shows a slightly different reality, with the average surgical tech salary listed at about $97,880 per year, based on nationwide numbers. That equals roughly $47.06 per hour.
Factors like experience, location, specific specialty training, and others will impact pay. Traveling also has an impact, as travel surgical tech jobs often have higher pay than weekly roles.
How To Become a Tech in the Operating Room
Most surgical techs complete a certificate or associate degree in surgical technology. Programs are available through community colleges and vocational schools, and some hospitals also operate training programs.
In these programs, students learn about biohazard safety and anatomy, how to identify surgical instruments, and what to do to prepare supplies. Clinical training is also necessary to ensure they’re prepared in the operating room.
Certification isn’t required for every position, but many employers request it. Common options include the Certified Surgical Technologist credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. The National Center for Competency Testing also offers the Tech in Surgery–Certified credential.
Top Locations for Tech Jobs
Supplemental Health Care connects surgical professionals with opportunities throughout the United States. Top locations for OR tech jobs and surgical tech jobs currently include these markets:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Maine
- Texas
- Washington
- Texas
Some of the reasons these areas have a large number of roles are their connection to hospital systems. For example, California and Washington both have strong healthcare networks, while Colorado and Texas support growing healthcare markets.
Search for Surgical and OR Tech Jobs
The right assignment for you may be one in your preferred state, a travel role, a part-time assignment, or a full-time position. Supplemental Health Care works with healthcare facilities around the United States and can help you find the right role for your future career.
Search tech jobs in SHC’s job portal to see our current openings.
OR and Surgical Tech FAQs
You may have questions about becoming an OR or surgical tech, and we have answers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions among potential technicians.
Is an OR tech the same as a surgical tech?
Yes. An OR tech or surgical tech performs the same duties despite the difference in the name. When you look for a role, search for terms such as “OR tech,” “surgical technician,” and “surgery tech.” Check the details about each role, since different states and employers require varied experience, certifications, and credentials.
How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
Certificate programs often take about one year. Associate degree programs generally take closer to two years.
Where do surgical techs work?
Most surgical techs work in hospitals, but some may work in outpatient surgery centers or other surgical facilities.
Is being a surgical tech physically demanding?
It can be. Surgical techs usually stand for long periods of time and may work for extended hours during long surgeries and shifts.
search content