Average Salary for a Surgical Tech in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Surgical Tech matters a lot for career choices. Surgical technologists are key members of healthcare teams in operating rooms across America. They help doctors during surgery and make sure everything runs smoothly. With over 51 million surgeries happening each year in the US, these skilled workers are always needed. The job pays well and does not require a college degree.
This blog will show you how much surgical techs earn in 2025.
We will look at pay by years of experience and which states pay the most. You will learn about entry-level wages and senior pay rates. We will also share tips to boost your salary and answer common questions. Many people ask if the salary is before or after taxes. Others want to know about bonuses and benefits. Some wonder which states offer the best pay for surgical techs.
Knowing your worth as a surgical tech helps you make smart career moves.
It helps you ask for better pay and pick the right job offers. The healthcare field keeps growing, so surgical tech jobs are secure. This guide gives you real data from top salary sources. We use info from government stats and major job sites. All numbers come from 2025 data to give you the most current picture.
Average Salary for a Surgical Tech in the USA
$58,750 per year (Average)
This average comes from various salary sources: Salary.com reports $54,500. US News shows $62,250 for 2023. PayScale indicates $26.50 per hour, or about $55,120 yearly.
We found this average by mixing data from global salary surveys, government stats, and key job platforms.
The latest average shows a steady rise from last year. Surgical technologists are earning more because of high demand in healthcare. Healthcare worker shortages have pushed wages up across many medical jobs.
Salary for a Surgical Tech Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $58,750 per year based on multiple salary surveys and government data sources. This number represents the middle point for most surgical tech jobs in America.
Salary range: $40,554 to $81,140 per year according to several USA data sources. The lowest 10% earn around $40K while the top 10% make over $80K yearly. Location and experience create this wide range.
Salary by experience: Many USA salary surveys show that entry-level surgical techs earn about $43,120 a year, or $20.73 an hour, if they have less than 1 year of experience. Those with 1-4 years earn around $46,320 annually, which is $22.27 an hour. Mid-level techs with 5-9 years earn $52,040 ($25.02/hour), and senior techs with 10-19 years make $56,010 ($26.93/hour). The most experienced techs with 20+ years earn $59,300 ($28.51/hour).
75th percentile: Based on government statistics and salary survey data, surgical techs in the 75th percentile earn around $70,000 per year. This means 75% of all surgical techs make less than this amount.
Salary for a Surgical Tech: Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in surgical tech pay. Cost of living and demand for healthcare workers change wages from state to state. Some states pay much more than others due to higher living costs or worker shortages. Here's how salaries compare across major US regions:
Data sourced from US News and government wage statistics for surgical technologists.
Connecticut offers the best value when you consider both high salary and job opportunities. California pays well but has higher living costs that may offset the wage gains.
7 Tips to Grow Your Surgical Tech Salary
1. Get Specialty Certifications: Certified surgical technologists make more money than non-certified workers. This finding comes from several healthcare salary surveys. Get certified in specific surgery types like cardiac or neurosurgery. These specialties often pay 10-15% more than general surgical tech roles.
2. Gain More Experience: Pay increases steadily with experience, from $20.73/hour for new techs to $28.51/hour for those with 20+ years. Each year of experience typically adds $500-1,000 to your annual salary.
3. Move to High-Paying States: Top-paying states like Connecticut ($79,080) and California ($76,170) offer significantly higher wages. Consider relocating to boost your earning potential by $15,000-20,000 per year.
4. Work in Large Hospitals: Major medical centers and trauma hospitals usually pay more than small clinics. They handle complex surgeries and need skilled techs. These facilities often offer better benefits, too.
5. Take On Leadership Roles: Become a lead surgical tech or train new workers. Leadership positions come with pay bumps of $3,000-8,000 per year. You'll guide other techs and help with scheduling.
6. Work Different Shifts: Night shifts, weekends, and on-call work pay extra. Many hospitals offer shift differentials that can add 10-20% to base pay, according to healthcare employment data. This can mean $5,000-10,000 more per year.
7. Continue Education: Take classes in new surgical techniques or medical technology. Employers value techs who stay current with medical advances. Some hospitals pay for continuing education and give raises after completion. The salary of other Medical profession is here.
FAQs About a Surgical Tech's Salary
Is the average salary of a Surgical Tech before or after tax?
All salary figures shown are gross annual pay before taxes. You'll need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to get your take-home pay.
Does the salary for a Surgical Tech include bonuses?
No, the base salary numbers do not include bonuses. Many hospitals offer sign-on bonuses, performance bonuses, or holiday pay as extra compensation beyond the base wage.
How much do entry-level Surgical Techs earn in the USA?
New surgical techs with less than 1 year of experience earn around $43,120 per year or $20.73 per hour, according to salary survey data. This varies by location and hospital type.
What is the highest salary for a Surgical Tech in 2025?
The top 10% of surgical techs can earn over $80,000 per year, with some experienced techs in high-paying states making up to $90,000 annually.
Do Surgical Techs get paid vacation time?
Yes, most full-time surgical tech positions include paid vacation time. This is typically 2-4 weeks per year, depending on experience and employer policies.
How does a Surgical Tech's salary compare to other medical jobs?
Surgical techs earned $62,250 on average in 2023, which is similar to Clinical Laboratory Technicians at $62,870 but less than Registered Nurses at $94,480.
Can Surgical Techs work overtime for extra pay?
Yes, surgical techs often work overtime during busy periods or emergency surgeries. Overtime pay is typically 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours over 40 per week.
What benefits do Surgical Techs typically receive?
Most hospital jobs offer health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some employers also provide tuition assistance, professional development funds, and employee discounts.
Is there a difference in salary for Surgical Tech vs Surgical Technologist?
No, these are the same job with different titles. "Surgical technologist" is the more formal term, but both refer to the same position with identical pay scales.
How often do Surgical Tech salaries increase?
Most hospitals review salaries annually. Experience-based pay increases happen automatically, with wages typically growing 3-5% per year for the first decade of work.
Do travel Surgical Techs earn more than permanent staff?
Yes, travel surgical techs often earn 20-30% more than permanent staff. However, they don't receive the same benefits and must handle their own housing and expenses.
If you want to know salaries of other Profession click here.
Note: All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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