How much does a surgical technician make?

In the U.S., experience and CST certification can help surgical techs earn more. Pay also varies by location, employer, and hours: hospital jobs may include long shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, or being on call.

Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Excludes “Surgical Assistants” (29-9093).

What's a typical day like?

They review the surgery list, sterilize and arrange instruments, then pass tools to surgeons and count supplies during operations. They help position patients and clean or reset the room between cases.

Complete a certificate or associate degree in surgical technology, with clinical practice. Graduates of CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs can take the CST exam; employers may require certification, and some states regulate the job.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

A surgical tech can call a pause—even if the surgeon caused the problem—when something contaminates the sterile area, until it is fixed.