Surgical Tech Salary: The Complete Guide
Curious how much surgical technologists / surgical techs earn in 2025? These professionals are essential in operating rooms, assisting procedures, and maintaining sterile environments.
In this guide, we cover:
- National average salary for surgical techs in 2025
- Entry-level vs. experienced surgical tech pay
- How facility type, location, and certification influence earnings
- Job outlook and ways to increase compensation
Average Surgical Tech Salary in 2025
As of recent reports, the median annual salary for surgical technologists is about $62,500-$66,000/year, with an hourly wage around $30-$32/hour, depending on location, employer, and experience.
Here’s a breakdown by career stage:
| Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $50,000 - $60,000 | $24 - $30 |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $60,000 - $75,000 | $30 - $37 |
| Experienced / Specialized | $75,000 - $90,000+ | $37 - $45+ |
Salary by Work Setting & State
Surgical tech pay depends on types of facility and location.
Work Settings Example:
- Hospitals (state/local/private): ~$62,000-$66,000/year.
- Outpatient surgical centers / clinics: Slightly below hospital rates in many cases.
Top-Paying States / Regions:
| State | Average Surgical Tech Salary Range |
|---|---|
| California | $75,000 - $90,000+ |
| Washington | $70,000 - $85,000 |
| New York | $70,000 - $85,000 |
| Massachusetts | $65,000 - $80,000 |
| Texas | $60,000 - $75,000 |
Career Stage Salary for Surgical Techs
Entry-Level (0–2 years)
New grads or techs working under supervision often start around $50,000-$60,000/year.Mid-Career (3–7 years)
With experience, additional certifications, OR specializations → $60,000-$75,000+Experienced / Specialized / Lead or OR-Scrub Specialization
Senior techs, leads, or those working in high cost or specialty facilities can earn $80,000-$95,000+ depending on skills and overtime.
What Influences Surgical Tech Salary
- Certification (CST, Tech in Surgery – Certified) adds earning potential.
- Facility Type: Large hospitals, trauma centers, specialty surgery centers pay more.
- Location: High cost states pay more. Rural vs urban differences matter.
- Shift work / overtime: Nights, weekends increase effective earnings.
- Specialization: OR scrub, specialized surgical fields (orthopedics, neuro, cardiac) often pay premiums.
Job Outlook & Growth
- BLS projects ~5% employment growth for surgical assistants & technologists from 2024-34.
- Aging population and surgical volume increases drive demand.
How to Increase Your Earnings
- Obtain additional certifications
- Specialize in high demand surgical fields
- Work in major metro or higher cost-of-living areas
- Negotiate shift differential / overtime / leadership roles
Key Takeaways
- Median surgical tech salary (2025): ~$62,500-$66,000/year
- Entry-level: ~$50,000-$60,000
- Top earners: $80,000-$95,000+ depending on setting/specialty
- Job growth is steady, especially in hospitals and outpatient surgical centers