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CST Salary in the United States

How much does a CST make in the United States?

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,313
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,301 to $63,301
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,746
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence CST Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects CST Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $53,311
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,864
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $58,541
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $58,935
  • Expert (over 8 years): $59,198
Levels Salary
Entry Level CST$53,311
Intermediate Level CST$54,864
Senior Level CST$58,541
Specialist Level CST$58,935
Expert Level CST$59,198
View as Graph

How Do CST Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $60,401.
  • California: $60,201.
  • Massachusetts: $59,401.

Top Paying Cities for CSTs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $68,801
  • San Francisco: $68,001
  • Oakland: $66,601

What Skills Can Increase a CST's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Problem Solving (Mentioned in 3.81% Job Postings): Analyzing and identifying the root cause of problems and applying critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Basic Life Support (Mentioned in 2.75% Job Postings): BLS is a level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care by advanced life support providers. It can be provided by trained medical personnel.
  • Accounting (Mentioned in 2% Job Postings): Creating financial statements and reports based on the summary of financial and business transactions.
Skills Demand Percentage
Problem Solving 3.81%
Basic Life Support 2.75%
Accounting 2%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a CST's salary.

  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Problem Solving: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Effective Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Time Management $64,311
18%
Problem Solving $62,676
15%
Effective Communication $61,041
12%
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CST Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

CST salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,847. While startup companies pay approximate $49,262.

CST Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,262
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,014
Established 501~5000 $55,942
Enterprise 5000+ $57,847

CST Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CST roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, CST positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view CST as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a CST

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$62,676$30.015%

How Education impacts a CST's Salary?

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

Typical Education for CST
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%
View as Graph

CST Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$47,301
Average $54,501/year
$63,301
$3,942
Average $4,542/month
$5,275
$910
Average $1,048/week
$1,217
$23
Average $26/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,301 $5,275 $1,217 $30
Average $54,501 $4,542 $1,048 $26
25th Percentile $47,301 $3,942 $910 $23

Most common benefits for CST

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for CST

Here are companies hiring for CST and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about CST

1. What industry pays the highest salary for CST?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for CST roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. Is surgical tech a stressful job?

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.

3. How long is CST training?

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.

4. How much do you get paid for CST?

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.

5. Does a surgical tech make more than an RN?

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.

6. How much does a CST make in the US?

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.

7. How much money does CST make?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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