By Admin 
Introduction
If you’re interested in a career in the healthcare field, you’ve probably come across the role of a surgical tech. Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians or surgical technologists, play an essential part in the success of surgical procedures. But how much can you expect to make in this profession?
In this article, we’ll break down the average salary of a surgical tech, factors that influence their pay, and the steps you can take to increase your earning potential in this field.
Average Salary of a Surgical Tech
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a surgical tech in the United States is approximately $53,000. This salary can vary based on factors like location, experience, education, and the type of facility in which you work.
Hourly Wages for Surgical Techs
If you break it down to an hourly wage, surgical techs typically earn about $25.48 per hour. Of course, this number can vary depending on whether you work part-time or full-time, as well as the specifics of your job.
Factors Affecting a Surgical Tech’s Salary
While the average salary of a surgical tech provides a good starting point, several factors can affect how much you make. These include:
Location (Geography)
Your salary as a surgical tech will largely depend on where you live. The cost of living in certain areas, as well as the demand for surgical techs, can impact your earnings.
- California is one of the highest-paying states for surgical techs, with an average salary of around $68,000 per year. This high salary is partly due to the high cost of living in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Texas offers competitive salaries as well, with surgical techs earning an average of $55,000 annually.
- Florida and New York also offer above-average salaries for surgical techs, ranging from $50,000 to $60,000 per year.
In contrast, states with a lower cost of living, such as Mississippi or West Virginia, may have salaries closer to $40,000 to $45,000 per year.
Experience Level
Experience is a major factor when it comes to salary. As you gain more years in the field, you can expect your salary to increase. Here’s a breakdown:
- Entry-level surgical techs (less than 1 year of experience) can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $45,000 per year.
- Mid-career techs with 3 to 5 years of experience often make between $50,000 and $55,000 annually.
- Experienced surgical techs with over 10 years of experience can earn $60,000 or more annually.
Type of Facility
The type of healthcare facility you work in also plays a big role in your salary. Surgical techs working in hospitals often make more than those working in smaller clinics or outpatient centers. Large hospitals and specialized surgical centers may offer higher salaries due to the complexity and volume of surgeries they handle.
- Hospitals: Surgical techs working in hospitals earn the highest salaries, often exceeding $55,000 per year.
- Outpatient Centers: These facilities tend to offer slightly lower salaries, ranging from $45,000 to $50,000 per year.
- Private Practices and Clinics: Smaller practices may offer salaries on the lower end, around $40,000 to $45,000 annually.
Specialization
Surgical techs who specialize in high-demand areas like orthopedics, cardiovascular surgery, or neurosurgery tend to earn higher wages. Specializing requires additional education and training but offers the opportunity to increase your earnings significantly.
For example, a surgical tech specializing in cardiovascular surgery might earn $60,000 to $70,000 per year, while a general surgical tech might earn less. The ability to assist in more complex surgeries often comes with a higher salary.
Certifications and Education
While a basic certification or an associate degree in surgical technology can open doors, obtaining advanced certifications can increase your earning potential. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), is one of the most recognized and can make you more competitive in the job market.
Having additional certifications, like those in surgical first assisting or in specialized fields, may lead to higher pay as well.
How to Become a Surgical Tech
If you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a surgical tech, here’s what you need to know:
Education and Training
To become a surgical tech, you’ll typically need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs are available at community colleges or vocational schools and usually take about 1-2 years to complete.
During the program, you’ll learn about human anatomy, sterile techniques, surgical procedures, and patient care. Clinical rotations allow you to gain hands-on experience working in real operating rooms.
Certification
Though not always mandatory, most employers prefer hiring certified surgical techs. Certification proves you have the knowledge and skills to work in the field and often leads to higher-paying job opportunities.
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is the most widely recognized, and obtaining it requires passing an exam administered by the NBSTSA. You will also need to complete continuing education to maintain your certification.
Job Search
Once you’ve completed your training and earned your certification, you can begin applying for jobs. The demand for surgical techs is high, and many hospitals and surgery centers are actively seeking qualified professionals.
Continuing Education
As medical technology and surgical techniques evolve, it’s important for surgical techs to stay updated. Continuing education courses and workshops help you maintain your certification and keep you informed on the latest advancements in the field.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs
The future looks bright for surgical techs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for surgical technologists is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average growth rate for other occupations.
This growth is driven by an aging population that requires more surgeries, as well as advancements in medical technology that make surgical procedures more accessible. As the demand for healthcare services increases, the need for surgical techs will continue to rise, creating job opportunities across the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary of a surgical tech can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience, education, and specialization. While the average salary is around $53,000 per year, some surgical techs earn much more depending on where they work and their expertise.
The career offers strong job prospects, with a growing demand for skilled professionals in hospitals, surgical centers, and specialized medical fields. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in your career, becoming a surgical tech is a promising path with good financial rewards.
If you’re passionate about healthcare and interested in working in the operating room, a career as a surgical tech might be the right fit for you. With the proper training, certifications, and dedication, you can increase your earning potential and enjoy a fulfilling, stable career in the healthcare industry.
FAQs
1. How much does a surgical tech make per year?
On average, a surgical tech in the U.S. earns around $53,000 per year. However, this can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specialization.
2. What is the hourly wage for a surgical tech?
The average hourly wage for a surgical tech is approximately $25.48. This rate can change depending on where you work, how much experience you have, and the type of facility.
3. What is the starting salary for a surgical tech?
Entry-level surgical techs typically make around $40,000 to $45,000 per year. As you gain experience and certifications, your salary can increase significantly.
4. Which states pay surgical techs the most?
States like California, New York, and Texas tend to offer higher salaries for surgical techs, with averages reaching $60,000 to $68,000 per year, depending on the area. Higher living costs in these states often correspond with higher pay.
5. How does experience affect a surgical tech’s salary?
Experience plays a significant role in salary. Entry-level surgical techs earn less, but with 3-5 years of experience, you can make $50,000 to $55,000 annually. Experienced surgical techs with over 10 years can earn $60,000 or more.
6. Do surgical techs make more if they specialize?
Yes! Surgical techs who specialize in areas like orthopedic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, or neurosurgery tend to make higher salaries due to the advanced skills required. Specialized techs can earn anywhere from $60,000 to $70,000 per year.
7. Is certification important for surgical tech?
Certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, is not always required but is highly recommended. Certified surgical techs often enjoy better job prospects and can earn higher salaries than those without certification.
8. What type of facility offers the highest salary for surgical techs?
Surgical techs working in hospitals typically earn more than those working in outpatient centers or private clinics. Large hospitals offer competitive salaries due to the high volume and complexity of surgeries performed.
9. How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
Becoming a surgical tech typically takes about 1 to 2 years to complete an accredited training program. This includes both classroom learning and clinical experience.
10. What benefits do surgical techs typically receive?
Surgical techs often receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and sometimes tuition assistance. Benefits can vary depending on the employer and location.
11. What is the job outlook for surgical techs?
The job outlook for surgical techs is very positive, with employment expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average. This is due to an aging population and advancements in medical technology.
12. Can a surgical tech work in different settings?
Yes, surgical techs can work in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics, and private medical practices. The type of setting may impact the salary, but all offer valuable experience and career growth opportunities.