Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech)
Healthcare · $64,650 median · ~1–2 years training · Structurally WPE-eligible
How we know this
The wage and outlook figures are verified against the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS/OOH 2025), last reviewed August 20, 2026. We show our sources so you can check every number yourself.
Honest tradeoffs
high physical demands long shifts
Surgical Tech work involves standing in sterile field for surgeries of 4-12 hours regularly. Cannot scratch, adjust glasses, or take breaks during procedures. Repetitive motion injuries (shoulder, neck, lower back) are common occupational issues over 10+ year careers.
trauma exposure emotional load
Working in trauma centers and emergency surgery involves witnessing severe injury, death, and pediatric trauma. Burnout rates among surg techs are real, especially in Level 1 trauma centers and high-volume specialty hospitals.
not workforce pell eligible
Surgical Tech requires an AAS (60-104 weeks of training), which exceeds the federal Workforce Pell 150-599 clock-hour window. You'll use traditional Pell, not Workforce Pell. This is fine — traditional Pell covers up to $7,395/year — but the funding pathway differs from short-term cert paths like CNA or HVAC.
Wages
Earnings by career stage
range · estimatedResearched estimates by experience level, setting, and region — see the full breakdown below. The BLS median is the one figure verified directly against bls.gov.
Pay by stage & setting
- Entry surgical tech (post-AAS + NBSTSA cert) $48-58K at hospitals
- Experienced surgical tech $58-72K
- Specialty surgical tech (neuro, cardiac, orthopedic robotics) $68-85K
- Senior surgical first assist (SFA) $72-95K
- Certified first assist (CSA-CFA) with broader scope $85-110K
- Travel surgical tech $80-115K+ on assignment (lifestyle demanding but premium pay). California, Hawaii, and major metropolitan medical centers pay materially above national. Hospital tuition reimbursement common at major systems. Career ladder progression to RN via accelerated bridge programs is established pathway for those wanting significant wage growth ($63K → $86K transition).
Workforce Pell eligibility
This path's typical training duration fits under the federal Workforce Pell 599-hour cap. State approval status varies — check the Workforce Pell tracker.
Open the Workforce Pell tracker →Training
Ways in
Paid, on-the-job training combined with classroom hours — you get a wage from day one instead of paying tuition.
Common sponsors: Hospital-sponsored programs (limited; HCA Healthcare, Banner Health, some regional systems), Healthcare Career Advancement Program (H-CAP) — adjacent to RA
An associate degree or certificate — usually the fastest accredited credential, far cheaper than a four-year school, and often Workforce Pell–eligible.
Credentials you'll earnwith typical prep time
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
CST is the industry-standard cert. Required by employers in most markets; required by some state licensure laws. Recheck per-state requirements before assuming non-required.
Source ↗Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
American Heart Association
Cost vs. payoff
- Training cost
- $6,000–$28,000
- Training pays for itself in
- about 5 months
The low end is the cheapest route in — a paid apprenticeship, community college, or employer-paid program (sometimes free); the high end is a private or for-profit school. The range is about which route you take, not extra certifications.
Getting started — your first moves
- 1
Find an apprenticeship
Apply to a registered apprenticeship — you earn a paycheck from day one while you train, instead of paying tuition.
- 2
Earn your first credential
Study for and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).
- 3
Get hired and grow
Land an entry role and start building experience — pay climbs as you move up the career ladder above.
See it where you live
The figures above are national. Pay and programs vary a lot by state — pick yours and we'll send you straight to the official local data, no guessing.
Career ladder
Surgical Tech (entry)
Entry$55,000Entry; hospital surgical service is dominant employer
Training: AAS in Surgical Technology + NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam
Experienced Surgical Tech / Specialty
Year 3$65,000Specialty surgical work commands premium; cardiac and ortho robotics most lucrative
Training: Specialty surgical experience (neuro, cardiac, orthopedic, robotic) + advanced certifications
Surgical First Assist (SFA)
Year 6$82,000Major scope expansion; first assist credential opens significantly higher-paying positions
Training: NBSTSA Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) cert + advanced clinical training
Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) OR Bridge to RN
Year 10$95,000Career ceiling at CSA/CFA; RN bridge offers further wage growth ($86K+) with continued patient care work
Training: Advanced surgical assistant credentials OR RN bridge program (accelerated for healthcare professionals)
In your state
State licensure
Data limitations
- • BLS OEWS May 2025 per-occupation detail tables not yet pushed; May 2024 used
- • Per-state and per-MSA surgical tech wage tables not yet populated
- • Per-institution program admission calendars not verified
- • State-specific surgical tech licensure board URLs not populated for the 8 listed licensure states
Common questions
How much does a Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech) make?
The median wage is $64,650 per year (BLS OEWS 2025). Most earn between $45,940 and $96,940. Actual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.
How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech)?
Typical training runs about 1 year. This is a non-degree path — no four-year college degree is required. Many people earn a paid wage during an apprenticeship instead of paying tuition.
Do you need a college degree to become a Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech)?
No. Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech) is a non-degree career path — you qualify through training, certification, and/or on-the-job experience rather than a four-year degree.
Is Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech) eligible for Workforce Pell funding?
Structurally, yes — the typical program length fits the federal Workforce Pell hour cap. Whether you can actually use it depends on your state approving the specific program, so check the Workforce Pell tracker.
Do you need a license to work as a Surgical Technologist (Surg Tech / OR Tech)?
Yes — 8 states require a license to work independently in this field. Check your state's licensing board for the exact rules.
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