Surgical Technologists

SOC code 29-2055 · O*NET-SOC 29-2055.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Surgical technology is a one-to-two-year route into the operating room, with certification (CST) required by many employers and states. It suits people who want procedural, high-stakes clinical work without nursing school.

Surgical Technologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$64,650

a year

Hourly

$31.08

per hour

10th$45,940Median$64,65090th$96,940

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$68,710

$33.03 per hour

Middle 50%

$54,690 – $79,750

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$45,940 – $96,940

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

117,460

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $45,940; $22.09/hr
25th percentile: $54,690; $26.29/hr
Median percentile: $64,650; $31.08/hr
75th percentile: $79,750; $38.34/hr
90th percentile: $96,940; $46.61/hr

What does a surgical technologist do?

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
Wash and sterilize equipment, using germicides and sterilizers.
Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
Schedule surgical procedures for patients.
Prepare, care for, and dispose of tissue specimens taken for laboratory analysis.

How to become a surgical technologist

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a surgical technologist earn?

The national median is $64,650 a year. The full range runs from $45,940 at the 10th percentile to $96,940 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a surgical technologist without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring3.6/5
Active Listening3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Active Learning3.0/5
Learning Strategies3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.1/5
English Language4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Education and Training3.3/5
Production and Processing2.7/5
Psychology2.7/5
Computers and Electronics2.6/5
Biology2.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Service Orientation, Time Management.