surgical tech salary
Introduction
If you’re considering a fast-growing career in healthcare—without spending a decade in medical school—then becoming a surgical technologist (surgical tech) is one of the smartest choices today. With rising demand, excellent job stability, and competitive salaries, this role provides both financial security and purpose. This comprehensive guide explains the surgical tech salary, earning potential, job growth, and how you can increase your income in 2025 and beyond.
We’ll also cover related terms like scrub tech salary, OR tech salary, and perioperative technician pay to help you understand the full salary landscape.
What Is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist—often called an OR tech, scrub tech, or operating room technician—supports surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia teams during operations. They prepare the operating room, sterilize instruments, pass tools during procedures, maintain patient safety, and ensure a sterile environment.
This crucial role directly impacts patient outcomes, making surgical techs essential members of surgical teams in hospitals, outpatient centers, and ambulatory surgical facilities.
How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make in 2025?
According to recent wage data from labor statistics and healthcare hiring platforms, the average surgical tech salary in 2025 is around $61,000 per year, with the national range typically falling between $50,000 and $78,000. These figures include related positions such as surgical technician salary, perioperative tech salary, and scrub tech wages.
Average National Surgical Tech Salary
- Hourly wage: $24–$38 per hour
- Weekly pay: $1,000–$1,520
- Monthly salary: $4,300–$6,500
- Annual salary: $50,000–$78,000
Experienced surgical technologists, especially those with specialty certifications or travel assignments, can earn $90,000–$120,000+ annually, depending on location and shift type.
Surgical Tech Salary by State (Highest to Lowest)
Earnings vary widely depending on location. States with higher living costs or increased healthcare demand tend to pay more. These numbers reflect both surgical technologist pay and operating room tech salary averages.
Highest-Paying States
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $82,000 |
| Alaska | $79,500 |
| Washington | $77,000 |
| Massachusetts | $75,500 |
| New York | $73,000 |
Mid-Range Salary States
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $62,000 |
| Florida | $58,000 |
| Georgia | $57,000 |
| Ohio | $59,500 |
| Illinois | $60,000 |
Lowest-Paying States
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | $48,000 |
| Arkansas | $49,500 |
| Louisiana | $50,000 |
Tip: Even in lower-paying states, travel surgical tech contracts can significantly increase earnings.
Entry-Level Surgical Tech Salary
Starting salaries for new graduates—often referred to as entry-level surgical technology jobs—typically range between:
- $43,000–$52,000 per year
- $20–$26 per hour
Urban areas generally pay higher than rural facilities due to higher surgical case volume and demand for OR staff.
Hospitals with high surgical volume (trauma centers, academic hospitals, teaching institutions) often offer better compensation and faster career growth.
Experienced Surgical Tech Salary
With 3–7 years of experience, surgical technologists see a significant increase in income:
- $65,000–$82,000 per year
Overtime, on-call pay, and weekend differentials can add $5,000–$15,000 extra each year.
Techs who specialize in cardiac surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, transplant surgery, or robotic-assisted surgery (Da Vinci robotic systems) enjoy some of the highest compensation among OR support roles.
Travel Surgical Tech Salary
Travel surgical techs earn significantly more due to staffing shortages across the U.S. Their pay often ranks among the highest in the medical technician salary category.
Travel Pay Breakdown
- Weekly pay: $2,100–$3,200
- Monthly total: $8,400–$12,800
- Annual earnings: $98,000–$145,000+
Travel roles typically include:
- Tax-free housing stipends
- Overtime pay
- Shift bonuses
- Meal allowances
- Contract completion bonuses
If your goal is maximum income, travel healthcare assignments offer the highest OR tech salary potential.
Surgical Tech Salary by Workplace Setting
Your workplace environment plays a major role in determining your earnings as a surgical technologist.
Highest-Paying Work Settings
- Specialty hospitals
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Government and VA hospitals
- Travel contracts
- Private orthopedic or cardiac surgical practices
Lower-Paying Settings
- Rural medical centers
- Community hospitals
- Non-profit health organizations
On-call shifts in large trauma hospitals can significantly increase your annual income.
What Factors Affect Surgical Tech Salary?
Many variables influence surgical tech wages, including:
1. Location
Cities with high cost of living—such as Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, and Boston—typically offer the best surgical technician salary ranges.
2. Experience Level
Techs with 5–10 years of experience make 30–45% more than new graduates.
3. Certifications
Credentials that boost earning potential:
- CST (Certified Surgical Technologist)
- CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant)
- CRCST (Sterile Processing Certification)
4. Surgical Specialty
Top-paying specialties include:
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Robotic-assisted surgical systems
- Vascular surgery
- Transplant surgery
5. Shift Type
Night shifts, weekend shifts, and on-call duties boost take-home pay.
6. Facility Type
Teaching hospitals and specialty centers offer stronger pay incentives and career development opportunities.
Surgical Tech Salary vs. Other Healthcare Careers
Here’s how surgical technologist pay compares to related healthcare roles:
| Career | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $81,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $54,000 |
| Medical Assistant (MA) | $38,000 |
| Surgical Technologist | $61,000 |
| Sterile Processing Tech | $49,000 |
Surgical techs earn significantly more than MAs and LPNs, while requiring less education than registered nurses.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs in 2025
The field continues to grow rapidly due to:
- An aging population requiring more surgical procedures
- Expansion of minimally invasive and robotic surgery
- Nationwide staffing shortages in operating rooms
- Growth of outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5–7% job growth over the next decade—faster than many healthcare support roles.
This means continued strong demand for surgical technologists, OR techs, and scrub technicians.
How to Increase Your Surgical Tech Salary
If you’re already working as a surgical technologist—or preparing to enter the field—here’s how to maximize your earning potential:
1. Earn Certifications
Becoming a CST boosts your credibility and increases salary by 10–20%.
2. Specialize in High-Pay Surgical Areas
Fields like orthopedics, neurosurgery, and cardiovascular surgery offer premium pay.
3. Take Travel Assignments
Travel jobs can nearly double your income.
4. Gain Experience in Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Da Vinci robotic techs are in high demand nationwide.
5. Work On-Call or Night Shifts
Shift differentials add thousands annually.
6. Advance to Surgical First Assistant (SFA)
SFAs earn $95,000–$140,000+, making it one of the best career advancement options.
Is Becoming a Surgical Tech Worth It?
Yes—this is one of the best-paying allied healthcare careers for people who:
- Want strong salary potential
- Enjoy hands-on surgical work
- Prefer a quicker path to healthcare employment
- Seek job security and stability
- Thrive in high-energy clinical environments
With training programs lasting just 9–18 months, surgical technology offers one of the fastest paths to a well-paying healthcare job.
Conclusion
A surgical tech salary in 2025 offers strong earning potential, excellent benefits, and rapid career growth. Whether you’re a new student, an experienced surgical technician, or someone considering travel healthcare roles, this career provides both financial reward and meaningful work.
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FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. What is the highest salary a surgical tech can make?
Top earners—especially travel techs and SFAs—can make $120,000–$140,000+ annually.
2. Do surgical techs make more than nurses?
No. RNs typically earn more, but surgical techs earn more than MAs and LPNs with less schooling.
3. How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
Most programs take 9–18 months, making it one of the fastest pathways in healthcare.
4. Do surgical techs get overtime pay?
Yes. Overtime, shift differentials, and on-call pay can significantly boost yearly income.
5. Are surgical techs in demand?
Absolutely. Demand continues to increase due to more surgeries, an aging population, and growing use of surgical robotics.
