What does a surgical technologist do?
Surgical technologists are part of the operating room team. Their main job is to keep everything sterile and make sure the surgeon has the right instrument at the right moment. A good surgical tech knows each procedure well enough to stay one step ahead.
Before surgery, the tech prepares the room. They gather instruments, supplies and equipment, check that everything works and is sterile, and set up the sterile field. They help position patients and prepare the surgical site.
During surgery, the tech scrubs in and stands at the surgeon’s side. They pass instruments, sponges and sutures, hold retractors, cut sutures and handle specimens. They keep careful counts of sponges, needles and instruments so nothing is left inside the patient.
After surgery, the tech helps apply dressings, takes instruments for cleaning and sterilizing, and gets the room ready for the next case.
Strong surgical techs have steady hands, a good memory and a calm attitude. You need to learn hundreds of instruments and the steps of many different surgeries, and you need to stay focused through long cases. Sterile technique has to become second nature, because a small slip can put a patient at risk of infection. You should also be comfortable with blood and with speaking up when something is not right.
Tools of the job include surgical instruments, sutures, sterile drapes, suction, electrosurgical units, and equipment for laparoscopic and robotic surgery.
Surgical technologists work in:
- Hospital operating rooms
- Outpatient surgery centers
- Labor and delivery units
- Specialty practices that do procedures
- Travel staffing agencies
A typical day
- Review the surgery schedule and pull instrument trays
- Set up the sterile field and check equipment
- Scrub in and pass instruments during each case
- Count sponges, needles and instruments with the circulating nurse
- Break down the room and prep for the next surgery
Surgical technologist pay and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists earn a median of $64,650 a year, or $31.08 an hour. Many techs earn extra for being on call or working nights and weekends.
The BLS counts about 118,400 surgical technologist jobs. Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, with about 7,100 openings each year.
Pros
- Solid pay for a program that can take two years or less.
- You are part of a skilled team in a fast-paced setting.
- Many specialties let you keep learning.
- Travel contracts are an option once you have experience.
Cons
- Long periods of standing, sometimes for hours without a break.
- On-call shifts, nights and weekends at many hospitals.
- High pressure, with little room for mistakes.
- Exposure to blood, smoke from surgical tools and other hazards.
Training options: school vs. on-the-job training
Surgical technology program. This is the standard path. Programs lead to a certificate, diploma or associate degree and take about 12 months to 2 years. Costs typically range from about $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the school. Programs include classroom learning, lab practice in a mock operating room and clinical rotations in real surgeries.
Accreditation matters. To sit for the CST exam, you generally need to graduate from a program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Many hospitals hire only CSTs.
Military training. The armed forces train surgical technicians. Military training can count toward certification eligibility.
On-the-job training. Some hospitals once trained surgical techs in-house, but this is uncommon now, especially in states that require certification.
Certification and licensing by state
Rules for surgical technologists vary by state. A number of states require techs to hold a national certification, register with the state, or both. Many of these laws include exceptions for techs who were already working or who trained in the military. Other states have no specific requirements, but employers often set their own.
The CST from NBSTSA is the most widely recognized credential. You usually qualify by graduating from an accredited program. To keep it, you complete continuing education or retest on a set cycle.
The TS-C from NCCT is another national option, with routes based on education or work experience. Before choosing it, confirm that your state and local hospitals accept it.
Specializations and where they lead
- Specialty surgical tech. Focus on cardiac, orthopedic, neurosurgery, robotic or other complex cases. Specialty experience often leads to higher pay.
- Labor and delivery tech. Assist with C-sections and deliveries in obstetric units.
- Surgical first assistant. With more training and the CSFA credential, you can help surgeons more directly during procedures.
- Sterile processing or OR leadership. Some techs move into managing instrument processing or supervising surgical tech teams.
- Travel surgical tech. Experienced techs can take short-term contracts in different cities.
How to choose a surgical technology school
The right school gets you ready for the CST exam and the operating room. Ask these questions:
- Is the program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES? This usually determines whether you can take the CST exam.
- What is the CST pass rate for recent graduates? Accredited programs track this closely.
- Where do clinical rotations take place? Ask about the hospitals, specialties and how many cases you will scrub.
- Is there a mock operating room for lab practice? More practice before clinicals helps you feel ready.
- What is the total cost, and is financial aid available? Ask about books, scrubs, background checks and exam fees.
- What are the admission requirements? Ask about prerequisites, entrance exams and waitlists.
- What job placement help do you offer? Ask how many graduates are hired by their clinical sites.
