As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a CST in the United States is $54,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a CST's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CST'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 CST'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 CST | $53,294 |
| Intermediate Level CST | $54,864 |
| Senior Level CST | $58,541 |
| Specialist Level CST | $58,935 |
| Expert Level CST | $59,198 |
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 CSTs. 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
|
$64,311 |
18%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$62,676 |
15%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$61,041 |
12%
|
|
Organizing
|
$60,496 |
11%
|
|
Innovation
|
$59,951 |
10%
|
|
Credit Card
|
$59,406 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CSTs 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 CST with a No Diploma is between $49,319 and $52,346).
CST 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 CST'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a CST 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 CST salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $57,255 |
| 2024 | $52,224 |
| 2025 | $49,421 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for CST and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CST job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Intense Work Environment: Brace yourself for an intense work environment! The operating room can be fast-paced and high-pressure, especially during critical surgeries. Staying focused and level-headed in these situations is essential for the well-being of the patient. With salaries ranging from $50,101 to $62,201, the role demands dedication and resilience.
The Comprehensive Security Training (CST) Course is a 104-hour program spanning 12 days. It aims to equip entry-level candidates with realistic and practical skills in the security field. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $50,101 to $62,201, with a median salary of $55,901, reflecting the value of the training in the job market.
As of January 26, 2025, the salary for a CST ranges from a minimum of $50,101 to a maximum of $62,201, with a mid-salary of $55,901. This translates to an average weekly pay of approximately $1,923, with the majority of CST wages falling between $1,250 and $1,500 weekly across the United States.
Surgical techs generally earn between $50,101 and $62,201, with a median salary of $55,901. In contrast, registered nurses (RNs) typically earn more, with a median salary of around $75,330. While surgical techs require an associate's degree and certification, RNs need a bachelor's degree and licensure, reflecting the broader scope of their responsibilities.
The estimated total pay for a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) in the US ranges from $50,101 to $62,201 per year, with a mid-salary of $55,901. These figures reflect the salary data based on various sources and represent the typical earnings for this profession.
The salary for a CST in Canada ranges from a minimum of $50,101 to a maximum of $62,201, with a mid-range salary of $55,901. This indicates that entry-level positions may start around the minimum, while experienced workers can earn closer to the maximum.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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