Surgical Technologist
A Surgical Technologist, also known as a surgical tech or scrub tech, is a vital member of the surgical team who ensures a safe, sterile, and efficient environment in the operating room.
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Getting Started
How to Become a Surgical Technologist
At 1 year to get started, this is typical for Postsecondary Certificate-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Postsecondary Certificate (typically 1 year) at an estimated cost of $7k–$13k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for surgical technologist practice.
Begin Working
Surgical Technologist earn a median salary of $61k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Pathway quick answers
- How do you become a Surgical Technologist?Complete required education, licensing, and supervised training for Surgical Technologist.
- How long does it take?Typical path to first paid role: 1 year.
- How much does it cost?Estimated education and training cost range: $7k-$13k (living expenses excluded).
Estimates use College Scorecard tuition data plus cited pathway and licensing requirements.
Overview
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
A Surgical Technologist, also known as a surgical tech or scrub tech, is a vital member of the surgical team who ensures a safe, sterile, and efficient environment in the operating room. Working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses, you'll be the surgeon's 'right hand,' preparing the operating room, maintaining the sterile field, and anticipating the surgical team's needs throughout procedures. This career offers a fast entry into healthcare with strong job prospects driven by an aging population and advances in surgical technology.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Surgical Technologist Make?
At $61k/yr, surgical technologist earn more than most Postsecondary Certificate-level careers, where the average is $44k/yr.
$61k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist | $61k/yr |
| EKG/ECG Technician | $63k/yr |
| Ultrasound Technician | $85k/yr |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85k/yr |
| Cardiovascular Technician | $63k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
After investing roughly $10k in education, surgical technologist typically begin earning within 1 year. Based on entry-level salaries of $45k/yr growing toward a $61k/yr median. The average education cost for Postsecondary Certificate-level careers is $10k.
Surgical Technologist ROI
Net earnings over 20 years
$1.1M
Pre-tax 20-year estimate after required education and training costs; taxes and living expenses excluded.
How the 20-year estimate is calculated
Surgical Technologist Career ROI (20-year net earnings)
Track how education costs and earnings typically accumulate from enrollment through year 20.
Cumulative net earnings (USD)
The full chart keeps 20-year context. The detail chart below zooms in on early pathway years.
Sources: BLS, College ScorecardSee Sources and methods.
Early-years detail
Years 0-8
Years 0-8. Scaled to early-year values. Black markers show key checkpoints.
Quick answers
- Is becoming a Surgical Technologist financially worth it?Typical 20-year net estimate: $1.1M (pre-tax, living expenses excluded).
- How much does training cost for a Surgical Technologist?Estimated required education and licensing cost to become a Surgical Technologist: $10k (range used: $7k-$13k). Breakdown: Surgical Technology Certificate Program: $10k.
- How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist?Typical time to first paycheck is about 1 year. Typical time to enter the target Surgical Technologist role is about 1 year.
- How do you become a Surgical Technologist?See How to Become for pathway steps, timing, and credential requirements.
Detailed math
How 20-year net is built from each training and career phase.
| Phase | Time window | Gross earnings | Education/training cost | Net contribution | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surgical Technology Certificate Program Education | Year 0 (m0-m11) | $0 | -$9,714 | -$9,714 | |
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam Training/Licensing | Year 1 (m12-m12) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Career | Years 1-3 (m12-m47) | $181,836 | $0 | $181,836 | |
Model reconciliation Reconciliation | Years 0-20 (m0-m239) | $969,754 | $0 | $969,754 | None |
| 20-year totals | $1,151,590 | -$9,714 | $1,141,876 | Matches 20-year ROI formula | |
Sources and methods
Sources
Assumptions
- Pathway sequence and timing follow the cited training and licensing pathway for this role.BLS
- Earnings benchmarks come from cited occupation wage references.BLS
- Education and training cost uses College Scorecard tuition and cited pathway fees when needed.College Scorecard
- Cost allocation follows a model rule: short completed steps post in completion year; longer tuition steps are spread across phase years.Model ruleBLSCollege Scorecard
- Taxes and living expenses are excluded from this estimate.Model rule
Future-Proofing
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 5.6% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 6% average for Postsecondary Certificate-level careers.
10-Year Growth
5.6%
Faster than average
Current Employment
118,900
jobs nationwide
AI Impact
High AI Impact
Surgical Technologist roles face significant AI impact — higher AI exposure than most Postsecondary Certificate-level careers. AI independently handles one or more major task components in this field.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Handling and moving objects
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Performing general physical activities
- +Developing and building teams
What Could Be Automated
- −Getting information
- −Evaluating information to determine compliance with standards
- −Monitoring processes, materials, or surroundings
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Processing information
Based on evidence-based AI impact methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
Explore More
Similar Careers to Compare
EKG/ECG Technician
Ultrasound Technician
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Cardiovascular Technician
Radiation Therapist
Learn More
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Sources
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics (occupation wage data)
- •O*NET OnLine
- •College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education
Advanced Methodology
Education cost source id: college_scorecard_2025
Source update dates: BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12