If you aspire to become a surgical tech, you should understand how much you could make in this career and the factors that can influence your earning potential.
Surgical Techs work closely with surgeons, and other healthcare workers to ensure that surgeries are performed efficiently and safely.
This makes the role challenging, so there’s no wrong in considering the earning potential of this career before preparing for it.
In this article, we’ll discuss why a career as a surgical tech could suit you the best, their earning potential, the top-paying industries you could target, the highest-paying states to consider relocating to, and finally, the proven strategies to increase your salary.
Let’s get started!
Why Should You Choose A Career As A Surgical Tech?
Becoming a Surgical Technologist means being a crucial part of a surgical team, ensuring smooth operations and excellent patient care. This career should align with your interests, adaptability, and long-term goals.
If you’re passionate about healthcare, being a Surgical Tech can be both fulfilling and responsible.
Read:
-> What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Here’s why you should consider this career path:
High Demand
The demand for Surgical Techs is on the rise. As the population ages, with the average age nearing 40, there is an increased need for medical professionals, including surgical techs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth rate for surgical assistants and technologists in this decade.
In 2022, there were about 109,200 Surgical Technologist positions, with hospitals being the largest employers.
This high demand highlights the strong job security in this field.
Job Satisfaction and Security
With an aging population and an increasing number of surgeries, the demand for Surgical Techs continues to grow. This translates to excellent job prospects and job security. If you find fulfillment in making a direct impact on patients’ lives, this career can be deeply rewarding. You play a crucial role in assisting during surgeries, ensuring procedures go smoothly, and contributing to positive patient outcomes.
Better Pay
With the rising cost of living, averaging around $3,000 a month for many Americans, a career as a Surgical Tech can offer better pay.
According to BLS data from May 2023, the average annual salary for Surgical Technologists is $60,370, with an hourly rate of approximately $29.03.
Additionally, the top 10% earn over $78,560 per year. Pay can increase with experience, expertise, and additional certifications.
Quick Entry into the Workforce – WITHOUT A MEDICAL DEGREE!
Unlike many careers, becoming a Surgical Tech doesn’t require years of schooling. You can enter the field in as little as 1 to 2 years.
Some programs offer diplomas or certificates that can be completed in less than a year, while an associate degree typically takes about two years.
But there’s a faster approach that you can use – we call it the Preppy approach. For that, you need to enroll in Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program.
With Preppy’s program, you get –
-100% Online, Self-paced surgical tech training from the comfort of your home.
-You get a reputed, non-profit, and accredited university certificate after you complete your course.
-You become ready for the NCCT Certification exam.
-You get an externship opportunity at a local healthcare facility.
-You can complete your training in as little as 180 Days.
-As a bonus, you get a free laptop.
-Lastly, you get all of this at an insanely affordable price of $1,599.
Thus, industry veterans highly recommend Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program.
So, you could become job-ready as a surgical tech faster, without any student loan debt, and without driving to college, with Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Training Program being your safest bet.
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Variety of Specialties
As a Surgical Tech, you have the advantage of working in various specialties, from orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery to neurosurgery and obstetrics. This variety allows you to gain experience in different medical procedures depending on your area of interest.
Specialties Include:
- General Surgery
- Cardiology
- Neurosurgery
- Organ Transplantation
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
Team Environment
Working as a Surgical Tech means being part of a dedicated surgical team of healthcare professionals. Your duties require close collaboration with surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other support staff. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential to work efficiently in the operating room.
Fulfilling Career
A career in surgical technology is not just a job but a calling. For those naturally inclined toward it, the satisfaction and sense of fulfillment from knowing that your work directly contributes to improving patients’ lives is immense. This sense of purpose can be incredibly motivating and rewarding.
Ultimately, if these factors resonate with you, then a career as a surgical etch might be the perfect career choice.
Read:
-> Is Surgical Tech School Hard?
How Much Does A Surgical Tech Make A Year?
According to the BLS salary data from May 2023, the average annual salary for surgical technologists is $60,610, with an hourly rate of about $29.
Interestingly, the top 10% of surgical techs earn over $83,150 per year. This increase in salary can be attributed to factors such as experience, expertise, and education.
On the lower end, the bottom 10% of Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) earn around $40,640 per year. Factors like education, certification, and experience can influence these earnings.
For those just starting their careers, you can expect a salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,610, depending on your education, skills, and negotiation abilities.
Top Paying Industries For A Surgical Tech
Choosing a career as a Surgical Technologist offers numerous benefits. One of the key considerations for many aspiring surgical techs is the potential salary, which can vary significantly depending on the industry in which they work.
Understanding which industries offer the highest pay can help you make informed decisions about your career path and optimize your earning potential.
It allows you to target your job search towards industries that offer better financial rewards and enables you to understand the market dynamics and opportunities available.
Here are the industries that offer the highest salaries for surgical technologists, according to recent BLS data:
#1 Outpatient care centers -> $61,320
#2 Hospitals -> $61,110
#3 Administrative and support services -> $60,170
#4 Offices of physicians -> $58,030
#5 Offices of dentists -> $46,580
Highest Paying Cities For A Surgical Tech
Surgical techs play a critical role in the operating room. They assist surgeons, prepare surgical equipment, and ensure a sterile environment.
The compensation for this vital role varies significantly across the United States, with certain states and cities offering substantially higher pay.
Several factors contribute to the variation in surgical tech salaries across different states and cities:
Demand and Supply
States with a higher demand for healthcare services and a shortage of qualified surgical techs tend to offer higher salaries to attract talent.
Cost of Living
Areas with a higher cost of living generally offer higher wages to offset the increased expenses for housing, food, and other essentials.
For instance, a higher salary in a state like California might not go as far as a slightly lower salary in a state with a lower cost of living.
Healthcare Infrastructure
States with more advanced and extensive healthcare facilities and institutions may pay higher salaries due to the complexity and volume of surgical procedures performed.
Here is the list of top-paying states for Surgical Techs:
#1 Connecticut
Annual Salary -> $79,080
Hourly Wage -> $38.02
#2 California
Annual Salary -> $76,170
Hourly Wage -> $36.62
#3 Nevada
Annual Salary -> $73,800
Hourly Wage -> $35.48
#4 Washington
Annual Salary -> $73,580
Hourly Wage -> $35.38
#5 Alaska
Annual Salary -> $73,440
Hourly Wage -> $35.31
Choosing a location to work as a surgical technologist involves balancing salary potential with the cost of living and personal preferences.
While states like California, Washington, and Connecticut offer the highest salaries, it’s essential to consider how these wages translate in real terms after accounting for living expenses.
For surgical techs, understanding these factors can help make a well-informed decision about where to pursue their career.
Also Read:
-> How To Become A Surgical Tech?
-> Pros And Cons Of Being A Surgical Tech
-> How To Become A Certified Surgical Tech?
-> How Long Does It Take To Become A Surgical Tech?
Top Surgical Tech Certifications
Being Certified as a Surgical Tech not only validates your skills and highlights your expertise but also proves your dedication to the profession.
Certified surgical techs are highly sought after by employers, making it a critical step for any aspiring surgical tech.
Certification enhances your competitiveness in the job market, opens up better career opportunities, and can significantly increase your earning potential.
Here are the top three certifications for surgical technologists:
TS-C – Tech in Surgery-Certified
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers the Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) credential, which is the most popular certification among surgical techs and employers.
The NCCT certification has multiple pathways to eligibility, including work experience, military training, and formal education.
The certification exam is designed to test the practical and theoretical knowledge required for a surgical technologist.
NCST – Nationally Certified Surgical Technologist
The American Allied Health (AAH) offers the Nationally Certified Surgical Technologist (NCST) credential, which is recognized for its emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications.
CST – Certified Surgical Technologist
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which is respected in the healthcare industry.
Also Read:
-> Surgical Tech Certification
-> Can You Be A Surgical Tech Without Certification?
How To Increase Your Salary as A Surgical Tech?
Want to increase your salary as a surgical tech? Well, that’s a smart move and can be achieved through a combination of strategies. While it may take some time, it’s definitely possible.
By following the below-mentioned strategies, you can position yourself for higher pay and a more rewarding career as a surgical tech.
Here are some proven strategies:
Gain Experience
Experience is one of the most effective ways to increase your salary as a surgical tech. The more years of practice you have, the more valuable you become to employers, which often translates to higher pay. Seek out positions that offer a wide range of surgical experiences to broaden and enhance your skills.
Specialize in a Field
We have already discussed the fields you can specialize in as a surgical tech. Specializing in a particular area of surgery, such as orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurosurgery, can significantly increase your earning potential. Specialized surgical techs are often paid more due to their expertise in specific procedures.
Pursue Certification
Certification is a crucial factor in advancing your career and increasing your salary. Employers and patients prefer certified professionals. Certifications demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in surgical technology, making you more marketable and likely to command a higher salary.
If you are wondering – the TS-C certification by NCCT is the most popular and widely recognized certification for surgical techs.
Continue Your Education
Continuing education is vital for maintaining certification and advancing your career. Some surgical techs choose to pursue further education, such as an associate or bachelor’s degree in surgical technology or a related field. This can lead to more specialized roles and increased earning potential.
Relocate to Higher-Paying Areas
There’s a proven trick to increase your salary instantly. Consider relocating to areas that offer higher pay for surgical techs. We’ve already discussed the highest-paying states, just check them out.
But, do research regions with healthcare shortages, and the cost of living in those regions before relocating. Moving to a high-paying state can significantly boost your income as they often provide competitive salaries to attract qualified professionals.
Develop Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for surgical techs, as you’ll be interacting with patients, surgeons, and other medical staff. Focus on developing good communication skills, including attention to detail, empathy, active listening, and clear articulation. Strong communication skills can enhance your performance and potentially lead to higher pay.
Join Professional Associations
Joining professional organizations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) can provide access to networking opportunities, job postings, and salary data. Being part of a professional community can help you stay informed about the latest industry trends and opportunities to increase your salary.
Read More:
-> Surgical Tech Job Description
Conclusion
We hope this article helps you understand if a career as a surgical tech suits you or not.
If the earning potential attracts you, you should consider specializing or applying in the top-paying industries, or the highest-paying states.
If you have already started and feel like getting stuck then use some of the proven strategies mentioned above to increase your salary.
In the end, if you have just realized that you have a calling for this career, then check out Preppy’s Surgical Tech Certification Program to start your career faster and at an insanely affordable price.
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