Surgical technologists play a crucial role in the operating room, assisting surgeons during procedures and ensuring that surgical equipment is properly sterilized and ready for use. As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, the demand for skilled surgical techs is on the rise.
In fact, the career outlook for surgical technologists is very promising in 2025, with an increase in job opportunities and earning potential. Read on to learn more about the job outlook for surgical technologists and why this career path is in high demand in the healthcare field.
Top Reasons to Start a Career as a Surgical Tech
If you enjoy working in a dynamic healthcare environment and are interested in a hands-on role in the operating room, becoming a surgical tech may be the right choice for you. With a growing demand for surgical procedures and advancements in medical technology, the field of surgical technology offers a stable and rewarding career path.
Consistency and Demand
Surgical technology jobs are in high demand. Overall employment is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, creating around 8,700 new openings for surgical technologists (and assistants grouped into this category) annually. As of 2023, there were 134,000 roles available.
Pay
A surgical technologist’s salary can vary, but the median annual wage in the United States was $62,830 in May 2024, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $43,290, but the highest-paid earners brought in over $90,700. Top-paying care settings for surgical techs are outpatient care centers and hospitals, where they make a median annual wage of over $63,000.
Career Advancement
The surgical technology field offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. With experience, surgical technologists can move into roles such as surgical first assistant or surgical services manager. Additionally, obtaining certifications in specialized areas can further enhance job prospects and salary potential.
Continuing education and certifications are usually required to advance your career into higher-level roles. Surgical techs can also decide to pursue other healthcare related fields with more training, like becoming a registered nurse or physician assistant.
Top Locations to Work
As a surgical technologist, you have options when it comes to where you work. Some states offer higher pay than others, which may be something you want to think about.
Top states for jobs in surgical technology include:
- California: California pays among the highest of all states. Berkeley, CA, pays an average annual salary of $119,848, while Cupertino pays an average of $120,758.
- New York: New York’s average salary for surgical technologists is approximately $107,084.
- Virginia: In Virginia, the average salary for surgical technologists is approximately $91,508.
- North Dakota: North Dakota offers a high salary for surgical technologists of an average of $103,565 annually.
- Texas: The average salary for a surgical technologist is $92,190 in Texas, which works out to around $44 an hour.
Surgical Technologist Career Path
Becoming a surgical technologist requires a combination of education, training, and certification. To start on this career path, individuals typically need to complete a formal education program in surgical technology, which can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities.
These programs often include classroom instruction on anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and surgical procedures, as well as hands-on training in surgical techniques and the use of surgical instruments.
Certification requirements typically include passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of clinical experience. Once certified, surgical technologists may seek employment in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, or other healthcare facilities, where they will work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to assist in surgical procedures and ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
Surgical Tech Responsibilities
Surgical technologists play a crucial role before, during, and after medical operations, encompassing a range of responsibilities that ensure the smooth operation of procedures. As a certified surgical technologist, you will receive training in four areas of surgical technology:
- Sterilization techniques
- Compassionate patient care
- Assisting doctors during surgery
- Preparing operating rooms for surgery
In the pre-operative phase, surgical techs prepare the operating room, ensuring that all necessary instruments and supplies are sterile and ready for use. During surgery, techs assist the surgical team by passing instruments, maintaining a sterile environment, and anticipating the needs of the surgeon. Post-operative duties include cleaning and restocking the operating room, as well as ensuring that all instruments are accounted for.
Your Perfect Surgical Tech Job with SHC
At Supplemental Health Care, we understand the important role of surgical technologists in healthcare and are here to help you find your perfect role in this field. Our dedicated team can give you more information on the open roles available today, whether you’re interested in traveling or working locally. Search our open surgical technologist jobs today!
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