Scrub Technologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Scrub Technologist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scrub Technologist in the United States is $54,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Scrub Technologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,302
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,290 to $63,290
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,735

Key Factors That Influence Scrub Technologist Salaries

A Scrub Technologist'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 Scrub Technologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Scrub Technologist'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): $53,200
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,753
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $58,430
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $58,824
  • Expert (over 8 years): $59,087
Levels Salary
Entry Level Scrub Technologist$53,200
Intermediate Level Scrub Technologist$54,753
Senior Level Scrub Technologist$58,430
Specialist Level Scrub Technologist$58,824
Expert Level Scrub Technologist$59,087

Top Paying Cities for Scrub Technologists

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: $68,790
  • San Francisco: $67,990
  • Oakland: $66,590

What Skills Can Increase a Scrub Technologist'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%

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 Scrub Technologist'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 $64,298
18%
Problem Solving $62,664
15%
Effective Communication $61,029
12%

Scrub Technologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Scrub Technologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,835. While startup companies pay approximate $49,252.

Scrub Technologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $49,252
Growth Stage 51~500 $52,004
Established 501~5000 $55,931
Enterprise 5000+ $57,835

Scrub Technologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Scrub Technologist 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, Scrub Technologist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Scrub Technologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Scrub Technologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$62,663$30.015%

How Education impacts a Scrub Technologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Scrub Technologists 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 Scrub Technologist with a No Diploma is between $49,308 and $52,335).

Scrub Technologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Scrub Technologist
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%

Scrub Technologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Scrub Technologist'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
$47,290
Average $54,490/year
$63,290
$3,941
Average $4,541/month
$5,274
$909
Average $1,048/week
$1,217
$23
Average $26/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,290 $5,274 $1,217 $30
Average $54,490 $4,541 $1,048 $26
25th Percentile $47,290 $3,941 $909 $23

Most common benefits for Scrub Technologist

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

Common company salaries for Scrub Technologist

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

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FAQ about Scrub Technologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Scrub Technologist?

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

2. Can you make 6 figures in tech without a degree?

While a six-figure salary may be challenging without a degree, there are lucrative opportunities in tech. For instance, Scrub Technologists earn between $50,090 and $62,190, with a median salary of $55,890. Specializing in areas like cybersecurity or tech management can lead to higher earnings, making it possible to achieve your financial goals in the industry.

3. What is the highest paid surgical tech?

The highest paid surgical tech roles include operating room technologists earning up to $112,500, cardiovascular surgical technologists at $104,000, and surgical neurophysiologists at $100,000. For scrub technologists, salaries range from $50,090 to $62,190, with a mid-salary of $55,890, making it a competitive specialty in the field.

4. Do you have to be an RN to be a scrub tech?

No, you do not need to be a registered nurse (RN) to become a scrub technologist. Typically, a scrub tech holds a two-year degree or a technical school certificate and does not provide direct patient care. In contrast, a surgical nurse is an RN trained to care for patients throughout the surgical process. Scrub technologists earn between $50,090 and $62,190 annually, with a median salary of $55,890.

5. What is the difference between a surgical tech and a scrub tech?

The distinction between a surgical tech and a scrub tech lies in their responsibilities. Surgical techs focus on instrument preparation and assisting surgeons, while scrub techs manage broader tasks such as surgery coordination, patient care, and ensuring a sterile environment. In terms of salary, scrub technologists earn between $50,090 and $62,190, with a median salary of $55,890.

6. What surgical field makes the most money?

The surgical field of neurosurgery is among the highest-paid, with neurosurgeons earning substantial salaries. For Scrub Technologists in this field, salaries range from a minimum of $50,090 to a mid-level of $55,890, reaching up to a maximum of $62,190, reflecting the critical role they play in surgical procedures.

7. Can you move up from surgical tech?

Yes, you can advance from a surgical technologist role. Many professionals choose to specialize in specific surgeries or move into supervisory positions. The salary for surgical technologists ranges from $50,090 to $62,190, with a median salary of $55,890, reflecting the potential for growth and increased earnings as you advance in your career.

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.)

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