Surgical Tech Salary by State: Highest Paying States, Pay Rates & Career Guide 2026
Surgical Tech Salary by State Top Paying States Guide 2026
Quick Answer: Surgical tech salary by state varies significantly based on location, certification, experience, hospital type, and healthcare demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average surgical tech salary is $65,810 per year ($31.64/hour). States with higher healthcare demand and cost of living — such as Nevada, Alaska, and California — consistently pay more.
Introduction
If you are considering a career as a surgical technologist in the United States or the United Kingdom, salary is one of the most important factors in your decision. But the number on a national average tells only part of the story. Where you work — which state, which city, which type of facility — can be the difference between earning $43,000 a year and earning $81,000 or more.
This guide covers everything USA and UK readers need to know about surgical tech salaries in 2026: the national average, the highest and lowest paying states, how experience and certification affect earnings, how different workplaces compare, travel surgical tech pay, a comparison with similar healthcare careers, and a full UK salary breakdown using NHS Agenda for Change pay bands.
What Is the Average Surgical Tech Salary in the United States?
The average surgical technologist salary in the United States varies based on employer, location, and experience. The national average surgical tech salary is $65,810 per year, or $31.64 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Average Annual, Monthly, and Hourly Salary
| Salary Metric | Average (USA 2024) |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $31.64 |
| Weekly Pay (40 hrs) | ~$1,266 |
| Monthly Pay | ~$5,484 |
| Annual Average | $65,810 |
| Median Annual | $62,830 |
Median vs Mean — What Is the Difference?
The median salary ($62,830) is the midpoint — half of all surgical techs earn below this and half earn above. The mean (average) salary ($65,810) is pulled slightly higher by top earners in high-paying states and specialty roles. For career planning, the median is generally the more useful benchmark because it reflects what the typical surgical technologist actually earns.
According to the BLS, pay for surgical technologists increases with experience and education and may also be affected by where you work and the location of that workplace.
Surgical Tech Salary by State
States differ in surgical technologist salaries due to healthcare infrastructure, labor demand, regional economics, and cost of living. The variation between the highest and lowest paying states can exceed $35,000 per year.
Top Paying States for Surgical Techs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent occupational employment data, Nevada leads the nation with surgical technologists earning a mean annual wage of $73,580 — 34% above the national average. Alaska claims the second spot at $72,270 annually. Connecticut rounds out the top three at $64,120, followed by California at $63,680 and the District of Columbia at $62,510.
The surgical tech salary in Alaska in 2024 was $81,200, the highest mean annual wage for the occupation in the U.S. that year.
| Rank | State | Mean Annual Salary | Approx. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $81,200 | ~$39.04 |
| 2 | Nevada | $73,580 | ~$35.38 |
| 3 | Connecticut | $64,120 | ~$30.83 |
| 4 | California | $63,680 | ~$30.62 |
| 5 | District of Columbia | $62,510 | ~$30.05 |
| 6 | Washington | $62,000+ | ~$29.80 |
| 7 | New York | $61,500+ | ~$29.57 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $61,000+ | ~$29.33 |
| 9 | Oregon | $60,500+ | ~$29.09 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $60,000+ | ~$28.8 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES 2024 data
Lowest Paying States for Surgical Techs
In Mississippi, the 2024 mean annual surgical tech salary is $45,780. West Virginia’s mean annual surgical tech salary in 2024 was $48,200. Arkansas’s mean annual surgical tech salary was $48,900 in 2024.
The mean annual surgical tech salary in Alabama was the lowest of all wages for the occupation in the U.S. in 2024 — $13,850 less than the 2024 mean annual wage of all surgical techs.
| Rank | State | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Alabama | ~$51,490 |
| 49 | Mississippi | ~$45,780 |
| 48 | West Virginia | ~$48,200 |
| 47 | Arkansas | ~$48,900 |
| 46 | Iowa | ~$41,365 |
Related: Surgical Technologist Complete Career Guide
States With Fast Salary Growth
States experiencing rapid population growth, expanding hospital systems, or acute surgical workforce shortages are showing accelerated pay growth:
- Texas — Growing metropolitan surgical centers driving demand
- Florida — Rapidly aging population increasing procedure volume
- Arizona — Healthcare infrastructure expansion in Phoenix corridor
- North Carolina — Research Triangle medical center growth
States With Strongest Surgical Tech Demand
States with the highest employment levels for surgical technologists include California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania — all of which combine large populations with dense hospital networks and high surgical procedure volumes.
How Experience Affects Surgical Tech Salary
Experience increases surgical tech earnings because healthcare systems reward procedural skill, operating room efficiency, and specialization. Surgical techs see significant jumps in years 1–5 (from $42,000–$48,000 entry-level to $52,000–$58,000 mid-career), but compensation stagnates faster than other healthcare roles. Techs with 10 years of experience typically earn $58,000–$64,000, only slightly more than mid-career. Advancing to surgical first assistant or management roles is necessary for continued salary growth.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–1 year) | $42,000 – $48,000 |
| Early Career (1–4 years) | $48,000 – $55,000 |
| Mid-Career (5–9 years) | $55,000 – $64,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $64,000 – $75,000+ |
| Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
Does CST Certification Increase Salary?
Yes. Certified Surgical Technologists earn 12–18% more than non-certified peers. Read our complete guide: CST Certification Requirements USA & UK
Entry-Level Surgical Tech Salary
New graduates from accredited CAAHEP or ABHES programs typically start in the $42,000–$48,000 range depending on location and employer. Passing the CST exam before or shortly after starting work significantly improves starting offer negotiations.
Mid-Career Salary
After 3–5 years, surgical technologists with demonstrated competency in multiple surgical specialties typically earn between $52,000 and $64,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with CST certification consistently sit at the higher end of this range.
Senior and Specialist Salary
Senior surgical technologists who specialize in high-complexity procedures — cardiac, robotic, or neurosurgery — can command $70,000–$90,000+ per year. Advancing to Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) opens salaries above $100,000 in high-demand markets.
Does Certification Increase Surgical Tech Salary?
Certification often improves job opportunities and meaningfully increases salary potential. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists’ 2024 member salary survey, certified surgical technologists earn approximately 12–18% more than their non-certified peers performing identical roles. In practical terms, that certification translates to roughly $6,600–$9,900 annually for someone at the national average salary.
Over a career, certification represents a quarter-million-dollar difference for an initial investment of $200–$300. Many major hospital systems require certification for employment. Cardiovascular and thoracic surgical techs earn 15–25% premiums over general surgical techs, followed by neurosurgery (12–20% premium) and robotics-assisted procedures (10–15% premium).
Certified vs Non-Certified Salary Comparison
| Credential Status | Estimated Annual Salary | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Certified Surgical Tech | ~$56,000 – $60,000 | Baseline |
| CST Certified (NBSTSA) | ~$63,000 – $70,000 | +12–18% |
| CSFA Certified (First Assistant) | $80,000 – $105,000+ | +25–40% |
Do Hospitals Prefer Certified Surgical Techs?
Certified techs report being offered positions more quickly, averaging 3.2 weeks from application to offer versus 5.7 weeks for non-certified candidates. Some hospital systems have formalized this preference into policy — Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and several major academic medical centers now require certification for all new surgical tech hires, effectively closing the door to non-certified candidates regardless of their experience level.
Which Workplaces Pay Surgical Techs More?
Employer type affects surgical tech compensation because healthcare settings differ in workload, specialization, staffing demand, and funding structures. The type of healthcare environment in which you work impacts your surgical technologist salary. Specialty hospitals tend to pay better than ambulatory healthcare facilities.
Salary by Workplace Type
| Workplace | Average Pay Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Hospitals | Highest | Cardiac, neuro, robotic surgery centers |
| General Hospitals | High | Largest employer of surgical techs |
| Government / Federal Facilities | High | Veterans Affairs, military hospitals |
| Ambulatory Surgery Centers | Mid | High volume, outpatient focus |
| Physician Offices / Clinics | Lower | Lower procedure complexity |
Related: Surgical Technologist Job Description & Duties
Hospitals
General and specialty hospitals employ the majority of surgical technologists in the USA. Hospital-based surgical techs benefit from shift differentials (evening, overnight, weekend), on-call pay, holiday pay, and overtime — all of which can significantly increase total annual compensation above the base salary. Those who are employed by hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends and holidays, which could generate special holiday pay, or they may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than eight hours, which could generate overtime pay.
Outpatient Surgical Centers
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) offer predictable hours and less on-call demand but typically pay slightly less than hospital-based roles. However, ASCs are the fastest-growing employment setting for surgical technologists as healthcare systems shift routine procedures to outpatient environments.
Trauma Centers
Level I and Level II trauma centers require surgical techs to be on-call for emergency procedures — a demanding environment that typically comes with higher base pay and substantial call pay compensation.
Government Healthcare Facilities
Federal facilities including Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and military installations often offer competitive salaries with strong benefits packages including federal pension contributions, paid leave, and healthcare coverage.
Urban vs Rural Surgical Tech Salary Differences
Urban healthcare markets often pay more because patient volume, cost of living, and healthcare facility density create greater demand for perioperative staff.
Major Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | ~$68,555+ |
| New York City, NY | ~$65,000+ |
| Washington DC | ~$62,510 |
| Seattle, WA | ~$62,000+ |
| Boston, MA | ~$61,500+ |
| Las Vegas, NV | ~$73,580+ |
| Los Angeles, CA | ~$63,680+ |
Rural Healthcare Markets
Rural surgical technologists often earn less than their urban counterparts, but some rural and remote markets — particularly in states like Alaska — offer significant premiums to attract and retain qualified perioperative staff. Rural hospitals may also offer signing bonuses, relocation assistance, and housing stipends not common in urban settings.
Cost of Living Impact
A high nominal salary does not always translate to higher purchasing power. For example, Alaska surgical techs often work compressed schedules (such as 12-hour shifts for 14 days straight, followed by 14 days off), allowing some to maintain residences in lower-cost states while maximizing their effective hourly rate. Always compare salary against the local cost of living index before making relocation decisions.
Travel Surgical Tech Salary Explained
Travel surgical tech positions may offer significantly higher compensation because hospitals fill urgent staffing gaps by paying premium rates through staffing agencies.
How Much Do Travel Surgical Techs Earn?
Travel surgical technologists typically earn $2,000 – $3,500+ per week, depending on location, contract length, and demand level. This translates to $104,000 – $182,000+ annualized, though travel positions include agency fees and do not always offer the same benefits as permanent hospital employment.
Travel Contract Pay Breakdown
| Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Weekly Taxable Pay | $800 – $1,200 |
| Weekly Non-Taxable Stipends | $1,200 – $2,300 |
| Housing Stipend | Included or separate |
| Total Weekly Package | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
| Contract Length | 8–13 weeks typical |
Housing and Benefits
Most travel contracts include housing stipends or agency-arranged accommodation, travel reimbursement, and completion bonuses. Healthcare benefits vary by agency — some offer day-one coverage while others require a waiting period.
Demand Hotspots for Travel Surgical Techs
High-demand travel locations include:
- California (persistent staffing shortages, high pay rates)
- New York (post-COVID surgical backlog)
- Texas (rapid population growth)
- Alaska (geographic premium)
- Florida (high surgical volume from aging population)
Surgical Tech Salary vs Similar Healthcare Careers
Healthcare careers differ in education requirements, procedural responsibility, and compensation. Understanding how surgical tech pay compares to similar roles helps both USA and UK readers make informed career decisions.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (USA) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist | $62,830 | Certificate / Associate (1–2 years) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $68,900 | Associate Degree (2 years) |
| Medical Assistant | $42,000 | Certificate / Diploma (1 year) |
| Respiratory Therapist | $70,540 | Associate Degree (2 years) |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $93,600 | ADN or BSN (2–4 years) |
| Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) | $90,000 – $105,000+ | CST + Advanced Training |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES May 2024
The average annual RN salary is $98,430, which is a difference of $32,620 compared to a surgical tech salary. An RN has more extensive education and licensing requirements — and, in turn, more job responsibilities — than a surgical technologist.
Surgical technology offers a compelling entry point into the surgical environment with significantly less training time and cost than nursing — making it an attractive option for students who want fast, meaningful healthcare employment.
Surgical Technologist Salary in the UK Compared to the USA
The UK and USA use fundamentally different healthcare systems and compensation structures. In the UK, the equivalent perioperative roles are Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) and Theatre Nurse, both structured under the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) pay band system.
NHS Agenda for Change Pay Bands for Perioperative Roles (2026)
Examples of roles at Band 5 include many newly qualified clinical professionals such as nurse, operating department practitioner (ODP), podiatrist and therapeutic radiographer.
ODPs working in the NHS are generally on Band 5, £34,494 to £42,977 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2025.
| NHS Band | Role | Annual Salary (England, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 3 | Theatre Support Worker | £24,625 – £26,281 |
| Band 4 | Senior Theatre Support Worker | £26,530 – £29,114 |
| Band 5 | Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) / Staff Nurse | £31,049 – £37,796 |
| Band 6 | Experienced ODP / Senior Theatre Nurse | £37,338 – £44,962 |
| Band 7 | Advanced ODP / Theatre Team Leader | £46,148 – £52,809 |
| Band 8a | Surgical Care Practitioner / Advanced Practitioner | £53,755 – £60,504 |
Source: NHS Agenda for Change Pay Scales, April 2026 | NHS Health Careers
The NHS Band 5 salary ranges from £31,049 to £37,796 per year in England (£15.89 – £19.35 per hour).
London Weighting
NHS staff working in high-cost areas around London receive additional pay supplements:
- Inner London: +20% of basic salary
- Outer London: +15% of basic salary
- London Fringe: +5% of basic salary
For a Band 5 ODP in Inner London, this means effective annual pay of approximately £37,259 – £45,355.
Private Sector UK Salary
Surgical technologists and theatre practitioners in UK private hospitals (BUPA, Spire, HCA Healthcare UK) can earn £5,000 – £10,000+ more per year than equivalent NHS roles, though without the NHS pension and benefits package.
USA vs UK Salary Comparison
| Category | USA | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ~$42,000 – $48,000 (£33,000 – £38,000) | £31,049 – £34,494 (Band 5 entry) |
| Mid-Career | ~$55,000 – $68,000 (£43,000 – £53,000) | £37,338 – £44,962 (Band 6) |
| Senior / Specialist | ~$70,000 – $90,700+ (£55,000 – £71,000) | £46,148 – £60,504 (Band 7–8a) |
| Travel / Agency | $104,000 – $182,000+ | NHS locum / agency varies widely |
| Health System | Employer-dependent | NHS Agenda for Change |
Note: USD/GBP conversions are approximate. Exchange rates fluctuate.
USA salaries are generally higher in absolute terms, but UK NHS employees benefit from a nationally standardized pay structure, NHS pension, job security, and universal healthcare coverage that have significant real-world value beyond the gross salary figure.
London weighting can add up to 20% extra.
USA vs UK Comparison: Surgical Tech vs Scrub Nurse
Surgical Tech Job Outlook & Future Trends
The field is projected to grow 5–7% through 2034. Learn more: Is Surgical Technology a Good Career in 2026?
Surgical Tech Job Outlook and Future Salary Trends
The future for surgical technologists is strong, driven by structural changes in the US and UK healthcare systems.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% employment growth rate for surgical technologists between 2024 and 2034, slightly above the national average for all occupations. This growth stems largely from anticipated increases in surgical procedures due to the aging population and the expansion of healthcare facilities nationwide. Additionally, the shift toward outpatient care centers for surgical procedures offers more employment opportunities for surgical technologists.
Key trends driving salary growth include:
- Aging population — Baby Boomers requiring increasing surgical intervention volumes
- Surgical procedure volume growth — Robotic, laparoscopic, and minimally invasive techniques expanding OR demand
- Workforce shortages — Perioperative staffing gaps driving up wages and travel contract premiums
- Technology specialization — Robotic surgery techs (da Vinci, ROSA, Mako) commanding 10–15% pay premiums
- Outpatient surgery expansion — ASCs adding thousands of new positions annually
With the employment of surgical technologists expected to increase through 2034, job growth is promising and slightly faster than the national average. Prospects are best for those who have completed an accredited education program and who maintain their professional certification.
FAQs
Which state pays surgical techs the highest salary?
Alaska had the highest mean annual surgical tech salary in 2024 at $81,200. Nevada follows closely with a mean annual wage of $73,580, driven by high healthcare demand and tax-friendly employment policies.
Can surgical techs make six figures?
Yes. Travel surgical technologists, Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFA), and senior specialists in high-demand markets — particularly cardiac, robotic, and neurosurgery teams — can earn $100,000 or more annually. Cardiovascular and thoracic surgical techs earn 15–25% premiums over general surgical techs.
Do travel surgical techs earn more?
Yes. Travel surgical techs typically earn $2,000 – $3,500+ per week including stipends — significantly more than permanent staff positions. The trade-off is contract instability and variable benefits coverage.
Does certification increase salary?
Certified surgical technologists earn approximately 12–18% more than their non-certified peers, translating to roughly $6,600–$9,900 annually. Over a career, certification represents a quarter-million-dollar difference for an initial investment of $200–$300.
Which hospitals pay more?
Specialty hospitals — particularly cardiac, orthopaedic, and neurosurgery centers — typically pay above-average rates. Academic medical centers and Level I trauma centers also offer competitive compensation with strong benefits packages.
Is surgical technology a good career?
Yes. Surgical technology offers fast entry into a meaningful healthcare career (9–24 months training), strong employment stability, clear advancement pathways, and competitive salaries — especially for certified professionals. Job growth is projected at 5–7% through 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
How long does surgical tech training take?
Training ranges from 9 months (certificate) to 24 months (associate degree) through CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited programs. Military training may provide an alternative pathway.
What is the average hourly wage?
The national average surgical tech salary is $65,810 per year, or $31.64 per hour, according to the BLS. Hourly rates vary from approximately $20/hour at entry level to $40+/hour for experienced specialists in high-paying states.
Key Takeaways
- The national average surgical tech salary is $65,810/year ($31.64/hour) with a median of $62,830 (BLS 2024).
- Alaska ($81,200), Nevada ($73,580), and Connecticut ($64,120) are the highest paying states.
- Alabama, Mississippi, and Iowa are consistently among the lowest paying states.
- CST certification increases salary by 12–18% (~$6,600–$9,900/year) and accelerates hiring.
- Travel surgical techs can earn $104,000 – $182,000+ annualized through weekly package contracts.
- Specialty areas (cardiac, robotic, neuro) command 10–25% salary premiums above general surgical tech rates.
- In the UK, NHS ODPs earn £31,049 – £60,504 depending on Band 5–8a level, with London weighting adding up to 20%.
- Job growth is projected at 5–7% through 2034, with the strongest demand in outpatient surgery centers and aging population markets.
Medical & Career Information Disclaimer
Important Notice: The salary figures, pay band data, and employment projections provided in this article are sourced from publicly available government and industry data and are intended for general informational and career research purposes only. They do not constitute financial advice, career counseling, or legal guidance.
Salary figures vary by employer, geographic location, experience level, certification status, and time of publication. National averages and state-level data represent statistical ranges — individual earnings may differ significantly.
USA salary data is primarily sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 survey data. UK salary data is sourced from NHS Agenda for Change pay scales (April 2025/26).
Exchange rate conversions between USD and GBP are approximate and subject to daily fluctuation. UK readers should verify current NHS pay scales directly with NHS Employers or NHS Health Careers.
Before making any career, relocation, or employment decisions, readers are strongly encouraged to research current local market conditions, verify data with relevant employers, and consult qualified career advisors.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Surgical Technologists (SOC 29-2055) National and state-level occupational employment and wage statistics, May 2024. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292055.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook: Surgical Assistants and Technologists Job outlook, duties, and earnings overview. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm
- NHS Health Careers — Agenda for Change Pay Rates (April 2026) NHS pay bands and salary scales for all AfC-covered roles including ODPs and Theatre Nurses. https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/working-health/working-nhs/nhs-pay-and-benefits/agenda-change-pay-rates
- NHS Employers — Pay Scales 2025/26 Official NHS Agenda for Change pay tables. https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202526
- NBSTSA — National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting CST certification requirements, renewal policies, and credential information. https://www.nbstsa.org/cst-certification
- AST — Association of Surgical Technologists 2024 member salary survey data and professional standards. https://www.ast.org
- NHS Pay Calculator — Operating Department Practitioner Pay Guide 2026/27 Comprehensive ODP salary, banding, and career progression guide. https://www.nhspaycalculator.co.uk/nhs-roles/operating-department-practitioner
