How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make?
If you’re considering a career in surgical technology, you’re probably wondering about potential earnings. Here’s what you need to know about surgical tech salary and job outlook
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surgical tech salary
surgical tech salary , The median annual salary for surgical technologists was $47,300 in 2016, with a range between $33,000 and $66,000. Half of all surgical techs earned annual salaries between $40,700 and $54,000 in 2016. The top 10 percent of surgical technologists earned annual salaries of more than $61,000, while the bottom 10 percent earned annual salaries of less than $36,000.
national average surgical tech salary
The average surgical technologist salary in the united states is $55,330 as of May 28, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $50,180 and $61,480.
top paying states for surgical techs
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide salary information specifically for surgical techs, they do report that the median annual salary for all medical and health services managers was $98,350 in 2016. The top 10% of earners in this field made more than $187,199 that year, and the bottom 10% earned less than $48,720.
There is no specific data on how much surgical techs earn in different states, but the BLS does provide information on the top-paying industries for this profession. In 2016, the three industries that paid medical and health services managers the highest salaries were:
-Offices of physicians: $145,610
-General medical and surgical hospitals: $122,770
-Outpatient care centers: $109,490
The top-paying states for this profession were:
-California: $127,890
-New York: $124,870
-Texas: $122,210
surgical tech salary by experience
entry level surgical tech salary
An entry level surgical tech can expect to make an annual salary of $33,000. With experience, a surgical tech salary increases to $38,000.
A certified surgical tech with one to three years’ experience will earn an average of $39,000 a year, and a tech with three to five years’ experience will earn an average of $41,000 a year. A surgical technologist with five or more years of experience can expect to make an annual salary of $44,000.
surgical tech job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical technologists was $47,300 in May 2017. The job outlook for surgical technologists is expected to grow by 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
projected job growth for surgical techs
The job outlook for surgical techs is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of surgical techs will grow by 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
top industries for surgical techs
Employment of surgical technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for those who have completed an accredited surgical technology program and for those who have certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCST).
Most surgical technologists work in hospitals; a small number are employed in outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, and academic medical centers.
The following are examples of industries that employ large numbers of surgical technologists:
-Hospitals; state, local, and private
-Outpatient care centers
-Physicians’ offices, especially those of surgeons
top companies for surgical techs
The top companies for surgical techs are:
-Mayo Clinic
-Cleveland Clinic
-Kaiser Permanente
-Mercy Health System
-Banner Health
how to become a surgical tech
Surgical techs are in high demand! They are an integral part of the surgical team and play a vital role in ensuring surgeries are performed safely and effectively. Although surgical techs do not directly interact with patients, they play a vital role in ensuring the surgical team has the supplies and equipment needed to perform surgeries. If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, but don’t want to be a doctor or nurse, becoming a surgical tech may be the perfect career choice for you!
education requirements
In order to become a surgical tech, you will need to complete an accredited surgical technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals. Programs typically take about two years to complete and include both classroom and clinical components.
In order to be eligible for admission into a surgical tech program, you will typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may also have additional requirements, such as basic courses in math and science or a certain GPA. Once you are accepted into a program, you will take courses such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. You will also get hands-on training in the operating room through clinical rotations.
certification
There are several ways to become a surgical tech. One way is to complete an accredited surgical technology program. You can also become a surgical tech through on-the-job training or by completing a military medical training program.
Once you have completed a surgical tech program or on-the-job training, you will need to obtain certification from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist (LCC-ST). To be eligible for certification, you must have graduated from an accredited surgical tech program or completed a military medical training program. You must also pass the nationalCertified Healthcare Surgical Technician (CHST) exam.
Once you have obtained certification, you will need to renew your certification every four years. To renew your certification, you must complete continuing education requirements and pass the national Recertifying Exam for the Surgical Technologist (RET).
job shadowing
Job shadowing a surgical tech is a great way to learn about the occupation and get a feel for what the job entails. You’ll be able to observe first-hand how techs work with surgeons and other members of the operating room team, as well as how they handle the tools and equipment. This experience can be invaluable in deciding whether or not this is the right career for you.
