Surgical technologists held about 112,100 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of surgical technologists were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 72% |
| Outpatient care centers | 11 |
| Offices of physicians | 10 |
| Offices of dentists | 3 |
Ambulatory surgical centers are included in outpatient care centers.
Surgical technologists wear scrubs and sterile gowns, gloves, caps, and masks while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.
Work Schedules
Most surgical technologists work full time. Surgical technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
Surgical technologists typically need a postsecondary nondegree award or an associate’s degree. Certification can be beneficial in finding a job. A small number of states regulate surgical technologists.
Education
Surgical technologists typically need a diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree from an accredited surgical technology program. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals, offer accredited programs that range in length from several months to 2 years.
Surgical technology education includes courses such as anatomy, microbiology, and physiology. They also learn about the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, how to set up technical or robotic equipment, and preventing and controlling infections. In addition to classroom study, students gain hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings.
Surgical first assistants may complete a formal education program in surgical assisting. Others may work as surgical technologists and receive additional on-the-job training to become first assistants.
There are about 500 surgical technologist programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Certification may be beneficial for finding a job. Surgical technologists may earn certification through credentialing organizations.
Certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting allows the use of the title “Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).” Certification typically requires completing an accredited formal education program or military training program and passing an exam.
Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing allows the use of the title “Tech in Surgery – Certified or TS-C (NCCT).” Applicants may qualify through formal education, military training, or work experience. All require documenting critical skills and passing an exam.
Both certifications require surgical technologists to complete continuing education to maintain their certification.
In addition, many jobs require technologists to become certified in CPR or basic life support (BLS), or both.
A small number of states have regulations governing the work of surgical technologists or surgical first assistants, or both.
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants offer certification for surgical first assistants.
Advancement
Surgical technologists may choose to advance to other healthcare occupations, such as registered nurse. Advancement to other healthcare occupations usually requires additional education, training, and/or certifications or licenses. A technologist may also choose to become a postsecondary teacher of health specialties.
Surgical technologists typically have an interest in the Building, Helping and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counseling, or teaching other people. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Helping or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a surgical technologist, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Surgical technologists should also possess the following specific qualities:
Detail oriented. Surgical technologists must pay close attention to their work at all times. For example, they need to provide the correct sterile equipment for surgeons during an operation.
Dexterity. Surgical technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must be able to provide the needed equipment quickly.
Integrity. Surgical technologists must have integrity, as they are trusted to provide sterile supplies and quality patient care during surgical procedures.
Physical stamina. Surgical technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods.
Stress-management skills. Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical technologists should be able to work well under pressure while providing a high level of care.
The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $48,300 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,400.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for surgical technologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Outpatient care centers | $51,840 |
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | 48,010 |
| Offices of physicians | 47,640 |
| Offices of dentists | 46,090 |
Most surgical technologists work full time. Surgical technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Advances in medical technology have made surgery safer, and more operations are being done to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries.
In addition, the aging of the large baby-boom generation is expected to increase the need for surgical technologists because older people usually require more operations. Moreover, as these individuals age, they may be more willing than those in previous generations to seek medical treatment to improve their quality of life. For example, an individual may decide to have a knee replacement operation in order to maintain an active lifestyle or to have cataracts removed to improve vision.
Job Prospects
Job prospects should be best for surgical technologists who have completed an accredited education program and hold a certification.
For more information about surgical technologists, visit
Association of Surgical Technologists
For a list of accredited programs for surgical technologists, visit
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
For information about certification, visit
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
National Center for Competency Testing
National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants
American Board of Surgical Assistants