How to Become a Surgical Technologist
Duties, Responsibilities, Schooling, Requirements, Certifications, Job Outlook, and Salary
Stepping into the operating room means stepping into one of the most dynamic and high-stakes environments in all of healthcare. Behind every successful surgery is a skilled team—and surgical technologists are an essential part of that team. From preparing instruments and ensuring a sterile environment to supporting surgeons during critical moments, surgical techs play a hands-on role that directly impacts patient outcomes.
If you’re passionate about healthcare, love working in fast-paced settings, and want to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, a career as a surgical technologist may be the right path. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know—from education and certification requirements to job outlook and earning potential—so you can understand exactly what it takes to launch this rewarding career.
Not sure if becoming a surgical tech is your ideal fit? Explore our complete list of the best entry-level medical jobs to see more opportunities in healthcare.
Surgical Technologist Definition
What is a Surgical Technologist?
Behind every successful surgery is a highly coordinated team of healthcare professionals working together to keep patients safe and outcomes successful. At the heart of this team are surgical technologists—also known as operating room techs or scrub techs. These skilled professionals are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is fully prepared, sterile, and equipped with the right instruments before a procedure begins.
But their role extends far beyond preparation. Surgical technologists remain by the surgeon’s side throughout an operation, passing instruments, anticipating needs, and serving as an invaluable extra set of hands during critical moments. Their precision, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure help create an environment where surgeons can focus entirely on the patient. In short, surgical technologists are vital members of the surgical team whose contributions directly support patient safety and successful outcomes.
Surgical Technologist: Job Description
What Does a Surgical Technologist Do?
Whether it’s a routine procedure or a complex, life-saving operation, the success of surgery depends on a carefully prepared environment. Surgical technologists ensure that every operating room is sterilized, organized, and fully stocked with the instruments, supplies, and medications needed for the procedure. Once surgery begins, they are active participants—passing sterile instruments to surgeons, preparing surgical sites, and sometimes handling specimens or tissues. Their work requires precision, quick thinking, and a commitment to patient safety, making them vital members of the surgical team.
Surgical Technologist Duties
Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of surgical techs include:
- Sterilizing surgical tools, equipment, and instruments to ensure a safe procedure
- Preparing and organizing the operating room with the necessary supplies and medications
- Washing and disinfecting surgical sites to prepare patients for surgery
- Passing sterile instruments, sutures, and other materials to surgeons during operations
- Anticipating the needs of the surgical team and responding quickly in critical moments
- Maintaining strict infection control practices to minimize the risk of complications
- Handling and labeling tissue specimens or samples for laboratory analysis
- Applying dressings, bandages, or other coverings to surgical sites after procedures
- Counting sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery to maintain patient safety
- Assisting in transferring patients to recovery rooms and ensuring post-surgical spaces are prepared for the next case
Surgical Technologist Skills
Working as a surgical technologist demands a unique blend of technical precision, emotional resilience, and teamwork. Because the operating room is a high-stakes environment, surgical techs must be able to think clearly under pressure, follow protocols without error, and support the surgical team with efficiency and confidence. These skills not only ensure patient safety but also allow operations to run smoothly from start to finish.
Essential Skills for Surgical Technologists
- Attention to Detail – Following strict sterilization and procedural guidelines to maintain a safe environment.
- Strong Communication and Listening – Understanding and responding quickly to surgeon and nurse requests during procedures.
- Manual Dexterity – Handling delicate instruments, sutures, and equipment with steady hands and precision.
- Physical Stamina – Standing for long hours and assisting through lengthy or complex operations.
- Calmness Under Pressure – Remaining composed and effective in urgent, high-stress situations.
- Organizational Skills – Preparing and arranging instruments, supplies, and equipment so everything is ready when needed.
- Teamwork and Collaboration – Working seamlessly with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare staff.
- Problem-Solving Ability – Quickly adapting when unexpected challenges or complications arise.
- Infection Control Knowledge – Applying best practices in hygiene and sterilization to prevent post-surgical complications.
- Compassion and Professionalism – Supporting patient safety and well-being while upholding the highest standards of care.
Where Do Surgical Technologists Work?
According to the BLS, the largest employers of surgical technologists in 2024 were hospitals (71%),where the majority of operations take place and where shifts may include nights, weekends, holidays, and stretches longer than eight hours. Others are employed in the offices of dentists (2%), followed by physicians’ offices (10%) and outpatient care centers (11%).
Day to day, surgical technologists spend significant time on their feet, help position and move patients, and work within strict infection-control protocols. In the operating room, they wear scrubs with sterile gowns, gloves, caps, and masks.
Surgical Technologist Schooling and Certification
How Long Does It Take to Become a Surgical Technologist?
Most surgical technology programs take about two years to complete, though accelerated programs, such as the one Brookline College offers, can be completed in as little as 90 weeks. Like any long-term goal, working toward a new career as a surgical technologist seems much more attainable when you break it down into individual steps.
Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Surgical Technologist
1. Enroll in a Surgical Technology Program
- Admission typically requires only a high school diploma or GED.
- Many schools may also require a placement exam or background check.
- Choose an accredited program to ensure eligibility for certification and future employment.
2. Earn Your Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology
- Complete general education courses (Math, English, Science) that strengthen communication and critical thinking.
- Study surgical principles, sterilization techniques, operating room procedures, and surgical instrumentation.
- Participate in aclinical externship (often 25% or more of program hours), where you gain hands-on experience in real operating rooms.
- Look for programs that offer career services or job placement support to help you transition into the workforce.
3. Get Certified by a Recognized Credentialing Organization
- Most employers require certification to demonstrate competence.
- The two major certifying bodies are:
4. Earn Additional Certifications to Stand Out
- While optional, employers often value additional training such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
- These certifications can often be completed online at a low cost and highlight your readiness to assist in emergencies.
How Much Does It Cost to Earn a Surgical Technology Degree?
Surgical technologist programs—such as associate degrees—can range widely in price, according to Medicalhero.com. These programs can cost between $10,000 to $30,000 overall. At the higher end, tuition can approach or exceed $20,000 for a single semester, particularly at private institutions or in accelerated programs.
Fortunately, more affordable pathways exist. Many community colleges, technical schools, and online programs offer surgical technology degrees at a fraction of that cost. In addition, the growth of online and hybrid learning has made expenses easier to predict upfront while helping students save thousands on housing, transportation, and campus-related fees. In addition, most students can take advantage of financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. While tuition is an investment, completing a surgical technology program typically takes less time (around two years) than many other healthcare careers, which means you may enter the workforce—and start earning—a stable income sooner.
Surgical Technologist Salary
How Much Do Surgical Technologists Make?
According to the latest data from the BLS, the average annual salary* for a surgical technologist is $65,810 per year. Salaries can vary depending on healthcare setting, geographic location, level of experience, and certifications.
Additionally, salaries can also vary for each of the following wage charts, depending on healthcare setting, geographic location, level of experience, and certifications.
Highest Paying Industries for Surgical Technologists
According to the BLS, these industries are where you’re most likely to find the top-paying jobs for surgical techs as of May 2023.
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | $37.80 | $78,620 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $37.07 | $77,100 |
| Office Administrative Services | $35.96 | $74,790 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $33.81 | $70,330 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $33.25 | $69,170 |
Industries with the Highest Level of Employment for Surgical Technologists
Along with the top paying industries, it’s important to note that the industries below have the highest level of employment for surgical techs as of May 2023 (BLS).
| Industry | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $29.98 | $62,350 |
| Office of Physicians | $28.40 | $59,060 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $30.98 | $64,440 |
| Employment Services | $32.33 | $67,240 |
| Offices of Dentists | $22.72 | $47,250 |
Highest Paying States for Surgical Technologists
According to the BLS, surgical technologists earn the highest average wages in these states as of May 2023.
| States | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| Connecticut | $38.02 | $79,080 |
| California | $36.62 | $76,170 |
| Nevada | $35.48 | $73,800 |
| Washington | $35.38 | $73,580 |
| Alaska | $35.31 | $73,440 |
Highest Paying Cities for Surgical Technologists
According to the BLS, surgical technologists earn the highest average annual wage in these cities as of May 2023.
| City | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
| San Francisco, CA | $46.06 | $95,800 |
| Vallejo, CA | $45.83 | $95,330 |
| San Jose, CA | $45.43 | $94,490 |
| Napa, CA | $42.14 | $87,660 |
| Sacramento, CA | $40.67 | $84,600 |
| Arcade, CA | $40.67 | $84,600 |
| Modesto, CA | $39.99 | $83,100 |
| Santa Rose, CA | $39.69 | $82,560 |
| Stockton, CA | $39.50 | $82,150 |
| Bridgeport, CT | $38.29 | $79,650 |
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
What is the Job Outlook for Surgical Technologists?
The BLS projects that employment of surgical assistants and technologists will grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to about 8,700 new job openings per year, on average, mostly from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation due to retirement or career changes.
The aging population, especially the baby-boom generation requiring more surgical services, is a key driver of long-term demand for surgical technologists. Additionally, the expansion of outpatient surgery centers and advances in surgical technologies are creating more opportunities beyond traditional hospital settings
Ready to Start Your Training as a Surgical Technologist?
This guide has explored what surgical technologists do, the skills and education required, the cost of training, and the strong job outlook for this essential healthcare career. If the idea of playing a hands-on role in life-changing surgeries excites you, now is the time to take the next step.
At Brookline College, our Surgical Technology program is designed to prepare you with the knowledge, clinical experience, and confidence you need to succeed in the operating room. In just a few short years, you could be joining the surgical team that helps save lives every day.
