As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical Technician in the United States is $54,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Surgical Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgical Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Surgical Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Surgical Technician | $53,193 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical Technician | $54,763 |
| Senior Level Surgical Technician | $58,440 |
| Specialist Level Surgical Technician | $58,834 |
| Expert Level Surgical Technician | $59,097 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Surgical Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.81% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.75% |
| Accounting | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Management
|
$64,310 |
18%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$62,675 |
15%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$61,040 |
12%
|
|
Organizing
|
$60,495 |
11%
|
|
Innovation
|
$59,950 |
10%
|
|
Credit Card
|
$59,405 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgical Technicians enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Surgical Technician with a No Diploma is between $49,318 and $52,345).
Surgical Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 47.1% |
| Associates | 43.1% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Surgical Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Surgical Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $57,255 in 2023 to around $49,421 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surgical Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $57,255 |
| 2024 | $52,224 |
| 2025 | $49,421 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Nursing school is generally considered more challenging than surgical tech school. While some states require surgical techs to register, all states mandate that nurses pass a licensing exam to become registered nurses. Additionally, surgical technicians can expect salaries ranging from $50,100 to $62,200, with a median salary of $55,900, reflecting the differences in training and responsibilities.
Yes, you can make a good living as a surgical technician. The salary ranges from a minimum of $50,100 to a mid-level of $55,900, with a maximum of $62,200 per year. Experienced surgical techs may earn even more, especially in high-demand areas. Job opportunities in this field are expected to grow faster than the national average.
A surgical technician (surgical tech) is not a registered nurse (RN). They have distinct educational paths and certification requirements. Surgical techs typically earn between $50,100 and $62,200, with a median salary of $55,900. RNs have a broader scope of responsibilities and generally require more extensive training and licensure.
Becoming a surgical tech can take just 12 to 24 months of training, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly. This shorter educational path not only reduces your debt but also opens the door to a rewarding career with a salary range from $50,100 to $62,200, depending on experience and location.
Transitioning from a surgical tech to a registered nurse opens up a dynamic career pathway filled with growth opportunities. As a surgical technologist, your experience in the operating room is a valuable asset as you expand your professional goals into nursing. With salaries ranging from $50,100 to $62,200, pursuing an RN role can lead to increased earning potential and job satisfaction.
According to the salary data, surgical technicians earn between $50,100 and $62,200 annually, with a median salary of $55,900. In comparison, LPNs earn approximately $59,730 per year. Therefore, while some surgical technicians may earn less, the potential maximum salary for surgical technicians is higher than that of LPNs.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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