Surgical technologist earnings by seniority

90th percentile

Top-level surgical technologist earnings begin at:

$29.48 per hour

$61,321 per year

75th percentile

Senior-level surgical technologist earnings begin at:

$24.76 per hour

$51,504 per year

50th percentile

Mid-level surgical technologist earnings begin at:

$20.40 per hour

$42,429 per year

25th percentile

Junior-level surgical technologist earnings begin at:

$16.80 per hour

$34,953 per year

10th percentile

Starting level surgical technologist earnings begin at:

$14.11 per hour

$29,358 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Surgical technologist salary by state

State Name Average Salary
Alaska $63,870
California $60,340
District of Columbia $59,200
Nevada $58,940
Minnesota $58,540
Washington $57,240
Connecticut $56,290
Maryland $55,110
Massachusetts $54,440
Oregon $53,700
New York $53,410
New Jersey $53,070
Colorado $53,020
Wisconsin $52,800
Arizona $51,485
Idaho $51,330
Rhode Island $50,740
New Hampshire $50,200
Hawaii $48,780
Texas $48,420
Virginia $48,270
Montana $47,790
Delaware $46,860
Ohio $45,910
Maine $45,590
Nebraska $45,260
North Dakota $44,520
Pennsylvania $44,513
Georgia $44,450
Illinois $44,094
North Carolina $43,940
Florida $43,930
Kentucky $43,690
Indiana $43,491
Michigan $43,270
Wyoming $43,060
New Mexico $42,380
Tennessee $42,350
Missouri $41,960
Utah $41,540
Arkansas $41,370
Iowa $41,080
Kansas $40,851
South Dakota $39,990
Oklahoma $39,910
Louisiana $39,410
Mississippi $39,010
Vermont $38,950
South Carolina $38,790
West Virginia $36,620
Alabama $35,746
Puerto Rico $19,080

How much does a Surgical Technologist earn?

There are a few things that can influence a surgical technologist salary. As with any career, training, experience and location are the three main factors that will determine what your salary will be. Other factors can impact total pay, including overtime, bonuses and profit sharing. Some employers may offer a wide range of benefits, not limited to just dental and medical insurance but also including the availability of retirement plans, tuition reimbursement or even relocation assistance.

Other considerations are the number of available jobs compared to the amount of surgical technologists in your area. If there are more jobs than there are individuals to fill the positions, the value of your skill increases and salaries will become more competitive as employers compete to fill positions.

Certification can not only greatly increase the chance of finding a position but can also lead to higher salaries. Having neuroscience, neurosurgery, open heart and vascular skills can also positively affect a surgical technologist salary.

How do surgical technologist salaries compare to similar careers?

Surgical technologists earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than hearing aid specialists but more than ophthalmic medical technicians.

Career Median Salary
Hearing aid specialist salary $53K
Respiratory therapist salary $53K
Occupational therapist assistant salary $51K
Exercise physiologist salary $49K
Licensed practical nurse salary $45K
Surgical technologist salary $42K
Medical appliance technician salary $41K
Community health worker salary $39K
Endoscopy technician salary $38K
Ophthalmic medical technician salary $35K

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)