What Is the Salary Range for Surgical Techs?

A surgical technologist, or surgical technician, is the assistant in an operating room, working with surgeons and nurses. Their purpose may be to prep the operating room or assist the patient in preparing for surgery.

Hours

The hours that a surgical tech works will affect his salary. Most work 40 hours per week, but many work weekends or even holidays to pick up extra hours.

Education

Many times a high school degree or equivalent is enough to enter a surgical technician program. Higher education will mean better pay and an edge when applying for jobs.

Certifications

Certifications are not mandatory for surgical techs, but many employers look for someone who is certified when hiring. A certification might help earn a higher salary, but it may also mean having to get recertified every four or five years.

Earnings

The median earnings of a surgical tech are approximately $36,080 annually. The lowest paid surgical techs earn around $25,490 while the highest paid employees bring in about $51,150 annually.

Employers

Surgical techs hired by physicians offices are more likely to make a little more than the median annual earnings, around $37,300, while those employed by dental offices tend to make a little less, around $34,160.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics