Surgical Tech Salary USA
Average Salary of a Surgical Tech in the USA (2025)
Surgical technicians play a vital role in operating rooms across America.
They assist doctors in surgery. They pass tools and keep the area clean. These healthcare workers make sure patients stay safe during operations. It's key to know how much surgical techs make if you're considering this career.
In 2025, knowing your career worth helps you make smart job choices. It also lets you negotiate better pay.
This blog covers everything about surgical tech salaries in the USA. We will answer key questions like: What do surgical techs earn on average? How does experience affect pay? Which states pay the most? How can you increase your salary? What benefits do surgical techs get?
These answers will help you see the real value of this key healthcare job. This guide gives you the salary facts you need, whether you're starting your career or aiming to grow.
We get data from government sources and big salary surveys. This helps us provide you with accurate information. Our research includes insights from thousands of surgical tech professionals across the country.
What's the Average Salary of a Surgical Tech in the USA?
$58,500 per year (Average)
Surgical techs earn a median annual wage of $62,830, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salary platforms vary, with averages ranging from $49,108 to $54,500. We calculated an average salary of $58,500 based on global surveys, government data, and job sites.
Surgical tech salaries have changed since last year. The median salary was $57,255 in 2023. Now, it has shifted to 2025 levels. This change reflects market adjustments and regional demand differences across healthcare facilities.
Surgical Tech Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $62,830 a year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some salary surveys show ranges from $49,000 to $65,000. These amounts can vary based on location and experience.
Salary range: The lowest 10% of surgical techs earn under $38,860, while the highest 10% earn over $78,560. Many global salary surveys show that most surgical techs earn between $45,000 and $70,000 each year.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level surgical techs start around $36,483
Mid-level professionals earn $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
Experienced surgical techs with over five years earn $60,000-$75,000 per year
75th percentile: Top earners make over $67,808 a year. In high-demand areas, many senior surgical techs earn over $70,000, according to various USA data sources.
Junior surgical techs in the USA earn about $40,000 a year, according to government stats and salary surveys. Senior roles can earn $75,000 or more. When sources don’t agree, we see ranges. For example, USA salary surveys show $55k, but global companies report $62k."
Surgical Tech Salary Regional Comparison
Location affects surgical tech pay. Urban areas pay more than rural areas. States with major medical centers pay more.
Here's how salaries in different regions compare to the national average:
Data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state employment departments, and key healthcare salary surveys from various regions.
Texas and some Midwest states are great for surgical techs. They offer good pay and lower living costs than coastal states.
7 Tips to Grow Your Surgical Tech Salary
1. Get Professional Certification: Earning your Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential can boost your salary significantly. Many salary surveys in the USA show that certified surgical techs earn 8-12% more than non-certified workers. This certification shows employers you meet national standards.
2. Gain Specialized Training: Learn specialized procedures like robotics or cardiac surgery. Global salary surveys show that surgical techs with specialty skills earn up to 15% more than general surgical techs. Focus on high-demand areas in your region.
3. Work in High-Paying Settings: Hospital surgical techs typically earn more than those in outpatient centers. Government stats reveal that hospital workers earn about $3,000 to $5,000 more each year than surgical techs in clinics.
4. Pursue Additional Education: Complete advanced courses or an associate degree in surgical technology. Many data sources in the USA say that surgical techs with formal education earn 10-18% more than those who only have certificate training.
5. Gain Leadership Experience: Take on training or supervisory roles when possible. Surgical techs who mentor new staff or lead teams can earn $2,000 to $4,000 more each year, according to salary surveys.
6. Work Night or Weekend Shifts: Accept shift differentials for evening, night, or weekend work. Differentials usually increase base pay by 5-25%. This can greatly raise annual earnings for surgical techs who can work flexible hours.
7. Consider Travel Assignments: Travel surgical techs often earn 20-30% more than permanent staff. Many USA sources say that travel assignments can boost total pay. This happens through higher hourly rates and better benefits, but it requires flexibility.
FAQs About a Surgical Tech's Salary
Is the average salary of a surgical tech before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal, state, and local taxes are deducted.
Does the Surgical Tech's salary include bonuses and benefits?
No, these salary figures represent base pay only. Surgical techs often earn extra pay from:
Shift differentials
Overtime
Health insurance
Retirement contributions
Annual bonuses
What is the starting salary of a surgical tech in the USA?
Entry-level surgical techs usually earn about $36,483 a year. This amount can change based on where they work and who their employer is. New graduates often begin in the $35,000-$42,000 range.
How much do experienced surgical techs earn per year?
Surgical techs with five or more years of experience earn $60,000 to $75,000 a year. Senior surgical techs in specialized roles can earn even more.
Which states pay the highest salaries for surgical tech?
Alaska and California have the top surgical tech salaries. California averages $72,860, while Alaska is a bit higher. Washington state also ranks among the top-paying regions.
Do surgical techs get overtime pay?
Yes, most surgical techs are eligible for overtime pay when working more than 40 hours per week. Overtime rates are typically 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
What benefits do surgical techs typically receive?
Most full-time surgical techs get health insurance, dental coverage, and retirement plans. They also enjoy paid time off and support for continuing education. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement.
Is the salary of a surgical tech expected to grow?
The BLS predicts that surgical tech jobs will grow by 6% in the next ten years. This growth is faster than the average for all jobs. This growth should support steady salary increases.
How does surgical tech pay compare to other healthcare jobs?
In 2023, surgical techs made an average of $62,250. Registered nurses earned more, at $94,480. Clinical lab technicians had an average salary of $62,870. Surgical techs earn more than nursing aides and home health aides.
Can Surgical Techs earn more with shift differentials?
Yes, working evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays usually adds 5-25% to your base hourly rate. This can greatly boost yearly earnings for surgical techs who are open to flexible hours.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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