Surgical Tech Salary 2026: Pay Per Month, Salary & Career
Surgical technologists play a critical role in operating rooms by preparing equipment, maintaining sterile environments, and assisting surgeons during procedures. If you’re considering this healthcare career, salary is likely one of your first questions.
According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was $64,650 in May 2025, with earnings varying significantly based on experience, location, employer type, and certification.
Surgical Tech Salary: Quick Answer
The median surgical technologist salary in the United States is $64,650 per year, or approximately $5,388 per month when divided by 12. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $45,940, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $96,940.
Salary can vary depending on:
- Experience level
- Certification status
- State
- Hospital system
- Outpatient surgery center employment
- Shift differentials and overtime
Surgical Tech Salary Overview
| Experience / Level | Annual Salary | Approximate Monthly Equivalent | Source |
| Bottom 10% | $45,940 | $3,828 | BLS 2025 |
| Median | $64,650 | $5,388 | BLS 2025 |
| Top 10% | $96,940+ | $8,078+ | BLS 2025 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and OEWS wage data.
Surgical Tech Salary Per Month
Many searchers want monthly earnings rather than annual figures.
| Annual Salary | Approximate Monthly Equivalent |
| $45,940 | $3,828 |
| $64,650 | $5,388 |
| $96,940 | $8,078 |
These figures represent gross earnings before:
- Federal income tax
- State tax (where applicable)
- Social Security
- Medicare
- Health insurance deductions
- Retirement contributions
Monthly take-home pay varies significantly depending on location and benefits elections.
Surgical Tech Salary by Experience
Although the BLS reports occupational wage percentiles rather than years-of-experience bands, earnings generally increase with experience, certifications, specialty expertise, and leadership responsibilities.
| Career Stage | Typical Position |
| Entry Level | Surgical Technologist |
| Early Career | Certified Surgical Technologist |
| Mid-Career | Senior Surgical Technologist |
| Advanced | Lead Surgical Tech |
| Leadership | Surgical Services Supervisor |
Higher-paying specialties often include:
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Transplant surgery
Surgical Tech Salary for Freshers
New graduates typically enter the profession after completing:
- Certificate program
- Diploma program
- Associate degree program
Employers often prefer candidates holding the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.
Entry-level earnings commonly fall closer to the lower wage percentiles reported by the BLS, although actual starting pay depends on employer and region.
Senior Surgical Tech Salary
Experienced surgical technologists may earn salaries approaching or exceeding the occupation’s upper wage percentiles.
Factors supporting higher earnings include:
- 10+ years of experience
- Advanced specialties
- Team leadership
- Travel assignments
- Teaching and training responsibilities
- Large healthcare systems
The highest-paid 10% of surgical technologists earn more than $96,940 annually.
Surgical Tech Salary by State
Compensation varies substantially across the United States.
Examples from 2025 wage data:
| State | Median Annual Salary |
| California | $81,310 |
| Massachusetts | $80,870 |
| Washington | $77,270 |
| New Hampshire | $75,040 |
| Texas | $65,220 |
Source: CareerOneStop wage database using BLS wage data.
Why State Salaries Differ
Major factors include:
- Cost of living
- Healthcare demand
- Union presence
- Hospital competition
- Regional labor shortages
Surgical Tech Salary by Employer Type
The BLS reports differences across healthcare settings.
| Employer Type | Median or Typical Pay Context |
| Hospitals | Among the largest employers |
| Outpatient Care Centers | Competitive pay |
| Physician Offices | Similar to national averages |
| Dental Offices | Lower average earnings |
Hospital systems remain the largest employer of surgical technologists nationwide.
Surgical Tech Take-Home Pay
A surgical technologist’s take-home salary is lower than gross pay because of deductions such as:
- Federal income tax
- State income tax
- Social Security
- Medicare
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
Actual net pay varies significantly by state, household situation, and benefit selections.
Factors That Affect Surgical Tech Salary
1. Experience
More experience generally leads to higher earnings.
2. Certification
Employers often prefer nationally certified candidates.
3. Location
States with higher healthcare wages often offer substantially higher salaries.
4. Specialty
Complex surgical specialties may command higher compensation.
5. Employer Type
Large hospital systems frequently provide stronger compensation packages than smaller clinics.
6. Shift Differentials
Night, weekend, and on-call shifts may increase total earnings.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Surgical technologists assist surgical teams before, during, and after operations.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing operating rooms
- Sterilizing instruments
- Organizing surgical supplies
- Assisting surgeons during procedures
- Maintaining sterile technique
- Supporting patient safety protocols
Most work in hospitals and surgical centers.
Surgical Tech Qualification and Eligibility
Most employers require:
- Postsecondary surgical technology education
- Certificate, diploma, or associate degree
- Clinical training experience
Many employers prefer certification such as:
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Some states have additional regulatory requirements.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Step 1
Complete high school or equivalent.
Step 2
Enroll in an accredited surgical technology program.
Step 3
Complete clinical training.
Step 4
Earn certification if required or preferred.
Step 5
Apply for hospital or surgical center positions.
Step 6
Gain specialty experience and advance professionally.
Surgical Tech Career Growth
A typical career path may include:
Surgical Technologist → Certified Surgical Technologist → Senior Surgical Tech → Lead Surgical Technologist → Surgical Services Supervisor
Some professionals continue into:
- Surgical assisting
- Healthcare management
- Nursing
- Medical device sales
- Surgical education
Surgical Tech Salary, Benefits & Compensation
Compensation often includes more than base salary.
Benefits may include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Continuing education reimbursement
- Shift differentials
- Overtime opportunities
Benefit packages vary by employer.
Surgical Tech vs Radiologic Technologist
| Factor | Surgical Tech | Radiologic Technologist |
| Work Area | Operating Room | Imaging Department |
| Main Duties | Surgical support | Diagnostic imaging |
| Certification | Often preferred | Commonly required |
| Work Schedule | Surgical schedules | Imaging schedules |
| Salary | Varies by location | Varies by specialty |
Both careers are important allied-health professions with strong demand.
10. Salary Tables
National Surgical Technologist Wage Data (2025)
| Wage Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
| 10th Percentile | $45,940 | $22.09 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Median | $64,650 | $31.08 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,750 | $38.34 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,940 | $46.61 |
Source: BLS 2025 wage data.
11. FAQs
What is the average surgical tech salary in the USA?
The median salary is $64,650 per year according to BLS 2025 wage data.
How much does a surgical tech make per month?
The median annual wage translates to an approximate monthly equivalent of about $5,388 before taxes and deductions.
What is the starting salary for a surgical tech?
Entry-level workers often earn closer to the lower wage percentiles, though actual pay varies by employer and location.
What is the highest surgical tech salary?
The highest-paid 10% earn more than $96,940 annually.
Do certified surgical technologists earn more?
Certification can improve job opportunities and may support higher earnings depending on the employer.
Which state pays surgical techs the most?
Among states shown in CareerOneStop wage data, California and Massachusetts report some of the highest median salaries.
Do surgical techs receive overtime pay?
Many employers offer overtime and shift differentials for eligible employees.
Is surgical technology a good long-term career?
The occupation is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
What education is required?
Most surgical technologists complete a certificate or associate degree program.
Can a surgical tech advance into management?
Yes. Experienced professionals may move into lead or supervisory positions.
Conclusion
The salary for this role can vary significantly depending on experience, employer, location, qualifications, and overall compensation structure. Entry-level professionals typically start at a lower pay level, while experienced employees often earn substantially more through promotions, specialized skills, additional responsibilities, and performance-based incentives.
Beyond base pay, it is important to consider benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, paid leave, insurance coverage, bonuses, and other employer-provided perks that contribute to total compensation.
If you are planning to enter this career, focus on meeting the required qualifications, gaining relevant experience, and staying updated with industry trends. Since salary structures and benefits can change over time, always verify the latest information from official employers, government sources, recruitment notifications, and current job postings before making career or financial decisions.
