Are you considering becoming a surgical tech? You’re making a smart move. The healthcare industry is booming, and the role of a surgical tech (also known as a surgical technologist or scrub tech) has never been more essential. Surgical techs are the backbone of successful surgeries, making sure everything in the operating room is ready, sterile, and running smoothly. Beyond that, this profession offers great earning potential and a chance to build a rewarding career.
In this article, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about the salary for surgical techs, the factors that influence your pay, and how you can maximize your earnings in 2025.
What Is a Surgical Tech?
Before we dive into salary details, let’s first take a moment to understand the key role surgical techs play in healthcare. Surgical techs prepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, and assist the surgical team throughout procedures. They’re responsible for making sure everything remains sterile and that the surgical team has all the necessary tools during operations.
This job requires attention to detail, technical expertise, and the ability to stay calm when things get intense. And let me tell you, when you see firsthand how critical surgical techs are in saving lives, it’s hard not to admire the skill and dedication they bring to their work. It’s one of those careers where you truly make a difference.
Surgical Tech Salary Overview
So, how much can you expect to earn as a surgical tech in 2025? The average salary is about $62,250 annually, or $29.93 per hour. But here’s the thing: your salary can change depending on several factors like your experience, where you live, and the type of healthcare facility you work in. The good news is, there’s plenty of room for growth, so this is just the beginning.
Starting Salary for Surgical Techs
If you’re just starting out in the field, you can expect to earn between $40,000 and $45,000 per year. The exact amount will depend on your location and the size of the medical institution you’re working for. In rural areas, you might see lower starting salaries, but major cities and larger hospitals often offer higher pay right from the start.
Even though the starting salary is modest, keep in mind that there’s huge potential for growth. The beauty of being a surgical tech is that the more you learn and specialize, the more your earning potential increases. It’s not just a job, it’s a career with room to rise.
Experienced Surgical Techs
Once you’ve gained about 3-5 years of experience, your salary can increase to anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 annually. If you decide to specialize in areas like neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, or orthopedic surgery, you could see your salary rise even more, especially in hospitals or surgical centers where these specialties are in high demand.
The best part? Mastering specialized skills doesn’t just improve your pay; it also adds to the satisfaction of knowing that your expertise is helping save lives. From talking to surgical techs, it’s clear that specialization opens up many exciting opportunities for higher pay and career growth
Top-Earning Surgical Techs
For seasoned surgical techs, especially those specializing in high-demand fields, salaries can go above $75,000 annually, with some even making up to $90,000 annually. If you specialize in fields like cardiovascular surgery or neurosurgery, you’re likely to earn more due to the advanced skills these surgeries require.
Location also matters. Surgical techs in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago tend to earn higher salaries compared to smaller cities due to the concentration of hospitals and medical centers.
The Growing Need for Weather Tech in the Face of Climate Change
As climate change continues to make weather patterns less predictable, the importance of weather tech grows. Extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires are becoming more frequent, and we need weather tech to help us prepare and respond.
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Key Factors Affecting Surgical Tech Salaries
Several key factors will affect your salary as a surgical tech. Understanding these factors will help you make the best decisions for your career:
Location
Where you work has a big impact on your pay. Surgical techs in California, New York, or Texas often earn higher salaries due to the cost of living in these areas. For example, in California, you could earn $75,000–$95,000 per year, while in Texas, salaries range from $60,000 to $70,000 annually.
If you’re willing to relocate to cities with higher demand for healthcare workers, you’ll likely earn more, especially with experience and specialization.
Specialization
Specializing in complex surgeries like cardiovascular, neurological, or orthopedic surgeries can make a significant difference in your salary. These specialties require higher levels of skill and knowledge, which is reflected in higher pay.
For example, surgical techs specializing in cardiovascular surgery can earn between $75,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on location and experience.
Experience and Education
The more experience you have, the more your earning potential increases. Employers are willing to pay more for experienced surgical techs who can handle complex surgeries and ensure patient safety. Additionally, earning certifications like the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) designation can open the door to leadership positions and higher pay.
Type of Facility
Where you work matters too. Larger hospitals tend to pay more than smaller outpatient clinics or private practices because they handle more complex procedures and require more skilled staff. So, if you’re looking for higher pay, hospitals are your best bet.
Surgical Tech Salaries by State and City
Here’s a look at salaries for surgical techs in different states and cities:
| City | Per Hour | Annually |
|---|---|---|
| California | $37.69 | $78,400 |
| Alaska | $37.70 | $78,410 |
| Connecticut | $38.55 | $80,190 |
| Colorado | $30.50 | $63,430 |
| Florida | $28.00 | $58,240 |
Cities like Austin, Baltimore, and Chicago also tend to offer higher pay due to the demand for skilled healthcare workers.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs
The demand for surgical techs is expected to grow at a rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033. This growth is much faster than the average for most occupations, driven by the aging population and an increasing number of surgeries.
Healthcare is one of the most stable industries, and the demand for surgical techs is only expected to rise, which means there are plenty of job opportunities and career growth prospects.
How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Surgical Tech
Here’s how you can increase your salary as a surgical tech:
- Obtain Certifications: Getting certified as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) opens doors to better-paying opportunities.
- Work in High-Demand Areas: Specializing in complex surgeries or moving to high-paying cities can increase your salary.
- Pursue Continuing Education: Staying current with new techniques and technologies ensures you remain competitive.
- Look for Leadership Roles: Supervisory or teaching positions offer greater responsibility and higher pay.
Is a Career as a Surgical Tech Worth It?
Absolutely. This career offers great pay, job security, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping patients during critical surgeries. It’s a high-pressure job but incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy working with medical technology and making a real difference in patients’ lives, this career is a great choice.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Career with Great Potential
Becoming a surgical tech offers strong earning potential, job security, and the chance to make a real impact. It’s a stable career path with opportunities for growth and specialization. I would highly recommend this career to anyone interested in healthcare. With the right training, experience, and specialization, you can secure a successful future in this rewarding field.
