Surgical Tech Salary in the USA & How to Become Surgical Technicians in 2024

Surgical Techs or Surgical Technicians are called the “unsung heroes of the operating room.” This is because they are not credited as doctors and surgeons but are equally important in the procedure of operation. But are they paid correctly and enough? 

In this BLOG, we will understand what are the working and responsibilities of a surgical tech, and how to become a surgical technician. We will also get to know surgical tech salary in the USA and the factors affecting it. 

Overview of Surgical Tech Salary

The surgical technician, also known as the scrub technician, sets up everything needed for the procedure, including the operating room, patients, and supplies and equipment. The technician’s duties include helping medical professionals during the process and making sure the area is sterile. A surgical tech may also assist with patient transportation. 

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the average annual surgical tech salary is $62,250 per year ($29.93 per hour). Surgical Technicians at entry-level positions start at $54,401 annually while most experienced technicians get up to $123,794 per year. 

With the ongoing developments in healthcare, the demand for surgical techs is high. This would lead to higher pay, especially in Metropolitan areas to match the cost of living. 

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Responsibilities of a Surgical Technician

1. The operating theatre must be prepared before the patient enters the room. This entails arranging devices and equipment according to the surgeon’s specifications. The surgical tech is responsible for doing this.
2. Surgical technicians are responsible for ensuring a sterile and safe environment during surgeries.
3. Another technician’s primary responsibility is to assist the surgical team. They provide instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants during the procedure.
4. Surgical technicians communicate and collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and patients to ensure a seamless procedure.
5. Surgical techs assist in cleaning and refilling the room following surgery. They may also help move patients to recovery rooms.
6. Documentation and record-keeping are vital. Surgical techs may be responsible for keeping a record of the instruments and equipment used, as well as the patient’s past health information, issues that happened during the surgery, and more.
7. Staying current with new technological breakthroughs, surgical methods, and healthcare legislation is also critical for surgical technicians.

Numerous factors influence the surgical tech salary

These are the major factors that influence the surgical tech Salary.

1. Certification and education: Getting certificates and completing education helps the technicians to earn more money. The stats showed that certified surgical techs earn more money up to 10% than uncertified surgical techs.

2. Experience: Experience plays an important in determining salary. Experienced Surgical techs usually earn higher salaries for their expertise in different types of surgeries and familiarity with advanced techniques.

3. Work setting and hours: The surgical techs who work odd hours, during night shifts or weekends may receive more salary. Those working in specialty clinics and hospitals, especially large or specialized medical centers, usually get higher salaries than surgical techs working in outpatient surgical centers or private practices.

4. Location: Surgical technicians working in metropolitan areas receive higher salaries because of the higher cost of living and competition. New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are some of the cities that provide employment opportunities to surgical techs with higher salaries than less economically active areas.

5. Demand and Supply: The regions with a high demand for surgical techs and a shortage of qualified professionals may offer higher salaries to retain them. Changes in the medical sector, advancements in surgical procedures, and technologies can affect demand and salary levels.

6. Professional Development and Experience: Staying up to date with new developments and technologies, overseeing procedures, and managing responsibilities is beneficial for promotions and hence higher salary. 

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How to Become a Surgical Tech?

A high school graduation or Diploma is a must for becoming a surgical technologist majorly with a focus on scientific and health-related subjects, if possible. After that, enroll in an accredited surgical technology program. These programs normally last one to two years and award a diploma, certificate, or associate degree.

Take part in more and more practicals during the program to obtain practical experience in surgical settings. To become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), you must pass a certification exam administered by a recognized institution, such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) after completing graduation. Lastly, look for work in surgical centers or hospitals, and keep your certification current with quarterly re-certification and further education.

Best-Paying Cities for Surgical Techs in the United States 

San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Sacramento, and Santa Rosa are the top five cities with the highest incomes for surgical technicians.

Best-Paying States for Surgical Techs in the United States

These are the best states that pay high salaries to surgical techs in the US.

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Surgical Tech Salary vs. Other Similar Professions

Surgical technologists may earn more money than other healthcare professions with comparable training and education levels and usually require a certification or associate degree. 

• Surgical assistant – $57,290 
• Certified nursing assistants – $35,740
• Medical assistants – $38,270
• Pharmacy Technicians – $38,720 
• Phlebotomists – $38,530
• Dental assistants – $44,820
• Licensed vocational nurses – $54,620

Final Say: 

The BLS expects 5% job growth for surgical technologists between 2022 and 2032. The primary cause of this could be attributed to advancements in medical technology, which have increased surgical safety and accessibility. Surgical technologists are essential to the medical industry because they handle a wide range of tasks, including preoperative planning, surgical execution, and postoperative care. By helping, they facilitate surgery for both patients and surgeons.

Even though surgery is becoming more common and safer as people are more health-conscious, the a demand for surgical techs with certificates than non-certified surgical techs. Surgical technicians can advance to become surgical assistants with additional training, credentials, and experience.

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