As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Surgical Technologist - Certified in the United States is $56,038 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Surgical Technologist - Certified's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Surgical Technologist - Certified'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 Technologist - Certified'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 Technologist - Certified | $54,228 |
| Intermediate Level Surgical Technologist - Certified | $54,393 |
| Senior Level Surgical Technologist - Certified | $56,206 |
| Specialist Level Surgical Technologist - Certified | $57,149 |
| Expert Level Surgical Technologist - Certified | $57,216 |
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 Technologist - Certifieds. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.36% |
| Basic Life Support | 3.08% |
| Cardiac | 2.09% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Team Building
|
$76,212 |
36%
|
|
Innovation
|
$59,400 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$58,840 |
5%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$58,280 |
4%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$58,280 |
4%
|
|
Anesthesia
|
$57,719 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Surgical Technologist - Certifieds enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Technologist - Certified with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $55,038 and $58,332).
Surgical Technologist - Certified Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 58.7% |
| Associates | 30.1% |
| Bachelors | 8.4% |
| Masters | 2.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Surgical Technologist - Certified'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Surgical Technologist - Certified, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist - Non-certified | $54,463 | -3% |
| Anesthesia Technician | $48,489 | -13% |
| Surgery Prep Technician | $42,569 | -24% |
Salaries for a Surgical Technologist - Certified can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $63,471 in 2023 to around $57,152 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Surgical Technologist - Certified salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $63,471 |
| 2024 | $59,837 |
| 2025 | $57,152 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Surgical Technologist - Certified job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Surgical Technologist - Certified's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Surgical Technologist - Certified earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Surgical Technologist - Certified is $70,681.
The highest pay for Surgical Technologist - Certified is $60,346.
The lowest pay for Surgical Technologist - Certified is $45,510.
Assists surgeons and other medical professionals before, during, and after surgical procedures. Responsible for ensuring the operating room environment is safe, and that the required equipment is available, sterile, and functioning properly. Observes the patient's vital signs, checks charts, and provides instruments, sutures, and other sterile supplies as needed. Coordinates preparation or disposal of specimens and delivery to laboratory. May assist in patient transport post-surgery and operation room clean up. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Certified Operating Room Technologist (CORT) or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) required. CPR certification required. Typically reports to a supervisor. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
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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