How Much Do Surgical Technologists Make?

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), surgical technologists in the United States earn an average hourly wage of $29.93 and an average annual salary of $62,250. These skilled professionals play a vital role in operating rooms, working alongside surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure procedures are carried out safely and efficiently.

Surgical technologists are responsible for preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment, and handing instruments to surgeons during operations. Their attention to detail and ability to work calmly under pressure help contribute to positive patient outcomes. 

The data from the BLS provides valuable insight into compensation for this in-demand role. By understanding typical earnings, aspiring surgical technologists can make informed decisions about their career path, while health care facilities can use this information to competitively recruit and retain these essential team members.

Highest Paying States for Surgical Technologists

The data from the BLS reveals significant variation in surgical technologist salaries across different states. The highest-paying state is Connecticut, where surgical technologists earn an impressive average hourly wage of $38.02 and an average annual salary of $79,080. Other top-paying states include California ($76,170), Nevada ($73,800), and Washington ($73,580). These higher salaries are likely driven by factors such as cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the overall competitiveness of the job market.

In contrast, some states have notably lower average earnings for surgical technologists. For example, Alabama, and Mississippi all report average annual salaries below $50,000. This geographic variation underscores the importance for aspiring surgical technologists to research typical compensation in their region when considering job opportunities. 

How Do Surgical Technologists Salaries Vary Across Different Industries?

According to the latest data, the majority of surgical technologists, more than 75,000, are employed in general medical and surgical hospitals, where they earn an average annual salary of $62,350. Outpatient care centers and physician's offices also employ a significant number of these skilled professionals, who earn mean wages of $64,440 and $59,060 respectively. 

Of the top industries for Surgical Technologists, General Medical and Surgical Hospitals pay the most, offering an average annual wage of $62,350 and an hourly mean wage of $29.98.

Surgical Technologists vs. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists

The chart below highlights how the salaries of Surgical Technologists compare to other health care professions, specifically emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Technologists. Surgical technologists earn an average annual salary of $62,250, or $29.93 per hour, which is slightly higher than the $43,100 earned by EMTs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists earn an annual salary of $86,600, or $41.64 per hour, which is higher than the salaries of both surgical technologists and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

Bottom Line

Surgical technologists play an essential role in operating rooms across the U.S., ensuring the smooth and safe execution of surgeries. With an average annual salary of $62,250, their earnings can vary significantly based on location, industry, and local market conditions. States like Connecticut, California, and Nevada offer higher salaries, while other regions report lower averages. Surgical technologists working in outpatient care centers and specialty employment services also tend to earn above-average wages. Understanding these trends helps both aspiring surgical technologists and health care employers make informed decisions about compensation and career paths in this crucial field.