Surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055) — also called scrub techs or operating room technicians — earned a median annual wage of approximately $57,800 as of the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which equals roughly $27.79 per hour.
The BLS projects employment in this field to grow about 5 percent through 2032, broadly in line with the national average, generating approximately 14,400 openings per year through a combination of new positions and replacement of workers leaving the occupation.
Surgical techs work alongside surgeons and nurses in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgical centers, and specialty clinics, preparing operating rooms, arranging instruments, and passing sterile equipment during procedures.
Compensation varies based on setting, geographic location, shift differentials, employer type, and credentials such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential awarded by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
For related operating room career salaries, compare the anesthesia tech salary and the surgeon salary to understand the full spectrum of OR compensation.
Surgical Tech Salary Overview (2026)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055) earned a median annual wage of approximately $57,800 ($27.79/hr) based on the most recent OEWS data. The table below shows national wage percentiles for this occupation.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| 25th | $46,000 | $22.12 |
| 50th (Median) | $57,800 | $27.79 |
| 75th | $70,000 | $33.65 |
| 90th | $84,000 | $40.38 |
These are national estimates from the BLS OEWS program. Hospital-based surgical techs and those working in high-cost metropolitan areas typically earn above the median, while those in rural outpatient settings may earn closer to the 25th percentile.
To see exactly how wages like $27 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $27 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Surgical Tech Pay by Experience Level
Experience level strongly influences surgical tech compensation.
Entry-level techs who have recently completed an accredited program typically start below the median, while those with years of experience across multiple surgical specialties and CST credentials may reach the upper quartile of earners.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $38,000 – $48,000 |
| Mid-Career (3–8 years) | $48,000 – $68,000 |
| Experienced (9+ years) | $68,000 – $84,000+ |
Surgical techs who advance to first-assistant roles — performing expanded intraoperative tasks under surgeon supervision — typically earn more than standard scrub tech positions, with some states allowing Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFA) to earn $80,000 or more annually.
Surgical Tech Salary by State and Region
Wage differences across states and regions are substantial for surgical technologists. States with higher healthcare costs, larger hospital systems, and major metropolitan areas typically offer higher wages.
Top-Paying States
Based on BLS OEWS data, states that typically report the highest median wages for surgical technologists include California, Alaska, Nevada, Washington, and Massachusetts.
Median wages in these states may range from $68,000 to $82,000, reflecting both higher living costs and strong demand from large urban hospital systems.
Surgical techs evaluating California positions should factor in the cost of living in California, while those in Washington should consider the cost of living in Washington State when assessing real purchasing power.
Regional Patterns
The West Coast consistently offers the highest surgical tech wages nationally.
The Northeast is also above average, particularly in New England and the mid-Atlantic states.
The South and Midwest tend to pay closer to the national median, though major metro areas in Texas, Illinois, and Florida may offer above-average wages.
Ambulatory surgical centers in any region sometimes offer slightly lower base wages than hospitals but may offset this with more predictable hours and reduced on-call demands.
Factors That Affect Surgical Tech Pay
In addition to geography and experience, several specific factors may meaningfully influence a surgical technologist's annual compensation.
Surgical Specialization
Surgical techs trained in high-complexity specialties — such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic joint replacement, or robotic-assisted procedures — may command higher wages due to the technical demand of these procedures and the longer learning curve required.
Employers often pay premiums for techs fluent in multiple specialty sets.
Employer and Setting
Hospital-based positions — especially at large academic medical centers or trauma centers — typically offer higher base wages and more robust benefits than free-standing ambulatory surgical centers or physician offices.
Federal or Veterans Affairs (VA) facility positions follow federal pay scales and may offer strong pension and benefits packages.
Credentials
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from NBSTSA requires passing an exam and completing an accredited program.
Many employers mandate or strongly prefer CST-credentialed techs, and holding this credential may support faster hiring and wage negotiations.
Techs who advance to Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) status typically access higher-paying roles.
Shift Differentials and On-Call Pay
Hospitals require surgical coverage around the clock, and surgical techs who work evening, overnight, or weekend shifts — or who are on call for emergencies — typically receive shift differentials that can add $3,000 to $8,000 or more to annual base pay.
On-call activation pay is common at facilities that require 24/7 surgical readiness.
Surgical Tech Career Outlook
The BLS projects employment of surgical technologists to grow approximately 5 percent through 2032, generating roughly 14,400 openings per year.
This growth rate is consistent with the broader healthcare sector trend driven by an aging U.S. population requiring more surgical procedures, the expansion of outpatient surgical centers, and technological advances in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries that require skilled technical support.
Surgical technologists with training in robotic-assisted surgical platforms (such as the da Vinci Surgical System) and multiple specialty competencies are expected to be particularly competitive in the job market.
As hospitals and surgical centers seek to reduce costs, surgical techs who can work across multiple service lines offer the greatest staffing flexibility and may command premium wages.
Surgical techs should apply effective salary negotiation strategies when moving between hospital and travel assignments, and build retirement savings through a Roth IRA or employer-sponsored 401(k).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average surgical tech salary in 2026?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055) earned a median annual wage of approximately $57,800 — about $27.79 per hour — based on the most recent OEWS data.
Actual wages vary by state, employer type, experience, and credentials.
For comparison, the medical lab tech salary and radiology tech salary represent other allied health technical roles with similar educational requirements.
Do surgical techs need to be certified?
Certification is not universally required by law, but the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is widely expected by employers and is associated with higher wages and better employment prospects.
Most programs leading to the CST are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
What is the difference between a surgical tech and a surgical first assistant?
A surgical technologist (scrub tech) primarily prepares the sterile field, passes instruments, and assists during surgery without directly manipulating tissue.
A Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) performs expanded intraoperative duties — such as tissue retraction and suture placement — under surgeon supervision.
First assistants typically earn more than scrub techs, but the CSFA credential requires additional training and clinical hours.
Which setting pays surgical techs the most?
According to BLS data, hospitals — particularly large urban medical centers — generally offer the highest wages for surgical technologists.
Ambulatory surgical centers may offer slightly lower base wages but often feature more regular hours and less on-call obligation.
Federal facilities and VA hospitals may offer competitive total compensation including federal benefits.
How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
Most accredited surgical technology programs are 12 to 24 months long, leading to a certificate or associate degree.
After completing an accredited program, graduates must pass the CST exam to obtain certification.
The entire path from starting a program to working as a credentialed surgical tech typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 years.
Surgical techs entering the field should also review emergency fund recommendations and set savings benchmarks appropriate for an early-career healthcare salary.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Surgical Technologists — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Surgical Technologists (SOC 29-2055) — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292055.htm
- U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Information Network (O*NET): Surgical Technologists — https://www.dol.gov/
Last updated: April 27, 2026