Are you interested in becoming a surgical tech? Or maybe you just want to know what kind of hourly wage a surgical tech earns? Either way, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll discuss the average salary for a surgical tech and how much money they can make per hour. So if you’re curious about how much money this profession pays, keep reading!

Introduction to Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists, also known as operating room technicians, work in the operating room alongside surgeons, anesthesia personnel, and circulating nurses.

They are the allied health professionals responsible for preparing the operating room and providing assistance to surgeons during surgery.

They are knowledgeable about aseptic techniques and sterile processing, and they understand the anatomy of the human body and how it relates to surgical procedures.

Surgical technologists also assist in surgical operations by anticipating the needs of the surgical team and providing instruments, supplies, and equipment as needed throughout the procedure.

With their knowledge of medical terminology and understanding of anatomy, they can provide support to surgeons and other healthcare professionals before, during, and after surgery.

Salary Overview

Surgical technicians are an essential part of the healthcare industry, providing support to surgeons and other medical staff during operations and procedures.

As such, the average hourly wage for a surgical technologist is quite competitive.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for surgical technologists in 2020 was $51,510 per year ($24.77 per hour). However, pay rates can vary depending on location, experience level and certification.

Physician offices typically pay surgical techs an average of $22.97 per hour and medical assistants $15.76 per hour.

Those working in outpatient care facilities may receive a higher hourly rate of $30,000-$45,000.

With increasing demand and more specialized positions, there is potential for higher wages as well.

Average hourly wage for surgical technologists

The average hourly pay for a Surgical Tech job in the US is $33.55 and it ranges from $19.71 to $48.13 per hour in United States, according to PayScale.

This range is dependent on several factors including location, experience level, and certification.

For example, at general hospitals, surgical techs averaged $22.26 per hour versus $16.46 for medical assistants, according to a May 2016 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

This suggests that surgical techs who work at general hospitals tend to earn more than those who do not.

Furthermore, those with higher levels of experience and certification may be able to command higher salaries as well.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Average Annual Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also provides an average annual salary for surgical technologists.

According to the BLS in 2020, the average annual salary for surgical technologists was $51,510 per year ($24.77 per hour). This was a 5% increase from 2019, when the average annual salary was $48,530.

With the growth of the medical field, the BLS predicts that surgical technologist roles will continue to increase, with a 7% growth in jobs by 2029.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a surgical technologist, now is a great time to start your career.

PayScale Research on Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay

PayScale research conducted in 2021 shows that the average hourly pay for a Surgical Technologist is $23.93. This is higher than the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) average annual salary of $47,300 for the same year.

However, the salary can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience level, and certification.

For example, the average salary for a Surgical Technician in New York City is $48.13 per hour which is higher than the national average. In addition, those with more experience and certification tend to command higher salaries.

Therefore, it is important to consider all factors when researching your career options in this field.

Factors that Influence Surgical Tech Salaries

Surgical technologists have the potential to earn a very good salary, but there are several factors that can influence the amount of money they make.

Factors such as location, experience level, certification, and job duties can all have an effect on the salary of a surgical technologist.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual salary for surgical technologists in 2020 was $51,510 per year ($24.77 per hour). This figure can vary depending on the location, as well as experience and certifications.

For example, surgical technologists in outpatient facilities earned more than those in other settings.

Additionally, those with certifications earned 22.36% more than the average base salary.

Experience level also plays a role in how much a surgical technologist can earn, as those with more experience tend to have higher salaries than their less experienced counterparts.

Location

Location can also have a big impact on how much a surgical technologist makes an hour. In the US, the average hourly wage for surgical technologists ranges from $17.76 to $29.22. However, this can vary greatly depending on the state.

For instance, in Georgia, the average hourly wage is $23.07 while in Hawaii, the average hourly wage is $26.96.

These differences highlight the importance of researching salaries in different states prior to applying for a job as a surgical technologist.

Experience Level

Experience level is one of the most important factors that can influence how much a surgical technologist makes an hour.

With more experience, these professionals can expect to make more money, as well as having more responsibility and better job prospects.

According to PayScale, the average hourly pay for a Surgical Technologist is $23.93, but those with more experience can make up to $28 or more per hour.

Entry-level and uncertified technologists can expect to make around $16.66 to $33.74 per hour.

Certification

Certification is also an important factor when it comes to the salaries of surgical technologists. Having certification can add value to your resume and make you more attractive to employers.

In addition, the BLS reported that certified surgical technologists earn 22.36% more than the average base salary for the occupation.

PayScale research also found that having a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification can increase hourly pay by an average of $23.76.

A CST certification requires a certain level of experience, education, and on-the-job training, so it’s important to be aware of these requirements before pursuing certification.

Career Outlook

The future of surgical technologists looks bright, as the demand for skilled medical professionals continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a job growth rate of 7% from 2019-2029 – much faster than the average for all occupations.

With the aging population, there will be an increased need for surgical procedures, which in turn means an increased need for surgical techs.

With the right qualifications and experience, a surgical technologist can expect to see an increase in their salary over time. Furthermore, advancement opportunities in the field are expected to grow as well.

Job Duties of a Surgical Technologist

Surgical technologists provide critical support to surgeons and other health professionals during medical procedures.

They are responsible for assembling and arranging the instruments and equipment that will be used during an operation, as well as ensuring that all medical supplies remain sterile.

Additionally, they may help to position and drape the patient for the procedure, and help to transport the patient to and from the operating room.

Surgical technologists also assist in handing instruments off to the surgeon and providing additional support during the procedure.

After the procedure, they help to clean and restock the operating room.

Benefits of Being a Surgical Technologist

Being a Surgical Technologist comes with many great benefits, beyond just a competitive salary. Job security is high for surgical technologists, as the BLS projects job growth of 7% from 2019 to 2029.

Surgical technologists also benefit from having flexible schedules, as they can often choose when to work and how many hours they want to work.

Additionally, most healthcare facilities offer their employees health insurance and other benefits like retirement plans, vacation days, and sick leave.

Being a Surgical Technologist is also a great way to give back to the community, as they play an important role in providing life-saving medical care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a career in Surgical Technology can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. With the right qualifications and experience, a Surgical Technician can earn an average of $30.59 per hour in Port Charlotte, FL.

The average annual salary for Surgical Technologists across the US is $51,510 per year ($24.77 per hour) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

PayScale research indicates that the average hourly rate for a Surgical Technologist ranges from $24 to $29 with the average hourly pay of $27.

Location, experience level, and certification all contribute to the salary of a Surgical Technician.

A successful career in Surgical Technology also offers job security and a wide range of job duties.

With proper training and education, Surgical Technologists can enjoy a fulfilling career in health care.