Surgical Technologists

You will need to be skilled at monitoring, active listening, operation monitoring, coordination, critical thinking, oral comprehension, near vision, problem sensitivity, speech recognition, and arm-hand steadiness.

Annual Wage

• Entry - $31,926
• Mean - $42,329.00
• Experienced - $47,530

Hourly Wage

• Entry - $15
• Mean - $20
• Experienced - $23

Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary nondegree award or an associate’s degree. Certification can be beneficial in finding a job. A small number of states regulate surgical technologists.

Certification may be beneficial for finding a job. Surgical technologists may earn certification through credentialing organizations.

Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting allows the use of the title “Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).” Certification typically requires completing an accredited formal education program or military training program and passing an exam. Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing allows the use of the title “Tech in Surgery – Certified or TS-C (NCCT).” Applicants may qualify through formal education, military training, or work experience. All require documenting critical skills and passing an exam.

In addition, many jobs require technologists to become certified in CPR or basic life support (BLS), or both.

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants offer certification for surgical first assistants.

There are 1,060 projected job openings in Texas this year!