Surgical Technologist Salary Guide

Median Annual Salary

According to the most recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pay for surgical technologists and technicians increases with your experience and education.

A full-time surgical technologist will typically be offered a benefits package including health care, vacation, and holiday pay, sick leave and a 401(k) plan. You may also be offered tuition reimbursement so that you can renew your credentials or certification at little or no cost to you.

The 2021 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics sites a median annual salary of $48,530 for surgical technologists.

Here are surgical tech median annual salaries by state:

Surgical Technologists

National data

Median Salary: $48,530

Projected job growth: 5.9%

10th Percentile: $36,930

25th Percentile: $46,440

75th Percentile: $60,780

90th Percentile: $75,940

Projected job growth: 5.9%

State data

State	Median Salary	Bottom 10%	Top 10%
Alaska	$61,270	$47,130	$78,460
Alabama	$37,850	$29,040	$55,990
Arkansas	$46,270	$29,450	$59,180
Arizona	$58,750	$37,190	$75,940
California	$74,050	$46,690	$93,420
Colorado	$59,860	$46,690	$77,330
Connecticut	$61,680	$37,480	$81,540
District of Columbia	$61,680	$37,340	$96,870
Delaware	$48,350	$45,130	$61,560
Florida	$47,000	$36,580	$60,780
Georgia	$48,020	$36,560	$60,860
Hawaii	$60,240	$29,540	$78,460
Iowa	$46,690	$36,770	$59,770
Idaho	$47,830	$37,110	$61,250
Illinois	$48,420	$37,500	$61,330
Indiana	$47,670	$37,500	$60,780
Kansas	$46,910	$36,930	$59,770
Kentucky	$46,810	$36,210	$60,070
Louisiana	$45,010	$29,320	$59,380
Massachusetts	$60,360	$38,180	$78,680
Maryland	$49,460	$37,660	$74,250
Maine	$55,300	$46,690	$62,360
Michigan	$47,670	$36,050	$61,160
Minnesota	$60,780	$47,000	$77,440
Missouri	$46,690	$36,850	$59,850
Mississippi	$37,500	$27,880	$57,480
Montana	$47,670	$29,850	$61,250
North Carolina	$46,690	$36,620	$60,780
North Dakota	$47,400	$46,910	$60,470
Nebraska	$47,670	$36,930	$61,230
New Hampshire	$51,850	$37,680	$71,080
New Jersey	$59,380	$46,950	$73,180
New Mexico	$46,420	$30,040	$61,100
Nevada	$60,400	$36,930	$93,110
New York	$59,760	$46,690	$77,830
Ohio	$47,850	$37,330	$61,260
Oklahoma	$46,640	$29,440	$60,100
Oregon	$60,780	$46,640	$77,290
Pennsylvania	$48,190	$38,090	$61,600
Rhode Island	$59,120	$46,950	$74,250
South Carolina	$46,650	$36,620	$59,670
South Dakota	$46,640	$36,750	$59,850
Tennessee	$47,000	$36,620	$61,250
Texas	$50,930	$37,180	$73,670
Utah	$47,000	$35,740	$62,520
Virginia	$48,070	$36,930	$76,240
Vermont	$46,640	$36,050	$59,380
Washington	$60,020	$46,950	$76,950
Wisconsin	$59,120	$46,640	$74,200
West Virginia	$36,930	$29,300	$57,720
Wyoming	$47,250	$28,500	$61,680

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2021 median salary; projected job growth through 2031. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.

Surgical Technologist Job Outlook

Employment of surgical technologists is expected to increase 7 percent through 2031, slightly faster than average for all occupations. The increase is more pronounced in some states than others.

As advancements in technology have made surgery safer, and as the aging population requires care, surgery technologists may be ensured steady work. Prospects are best for those who’ve completed an accredited education program and who maintain their professional certification.

With experience and additional education, surgical technologists can advance to become surgical assistants. Good news is there may be online degree and education programs for those who need to continue to work while they pursue further education.