Last updated: October 2026 · Pay data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Most people assume surgical tech salaries follow a predictable pattern: coastal states pay more; middle America pays less. Reality is messier and far more interesting. Alaska's surgical techs out-earn most of the country despite a very different cost of living. Connecticut sits within a few hundred dollars of New York. And some specialties within surgical technology can bump your earnings significantly, regardless of which state you call home.
Join us as we examine the forces shaping surgical tech compensation in 2026, from the certification premiums that most training programs won't quantify for you, to the subspecialties where experienced techs are commanding premium rates, to the geographic arbitrage opportunities that professionals are exploiting right now.
How much does a surgical tech make a year?
The median annual wage for surgical technologists is $64,650, or about $31.08 an hour, according to the BLS (May 2025). The median is the midpoint: half of surgical techs earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is higher, at about $68,710, because a smaller group of high earners pulls it up.
| Pay level (BLS, May 2025) | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn less than | $45,940 | $22.09 |
| 25th percentile | $54,690 | $26.29 |
| Median | $64,650 | $31.08 |
| 75th percentile | $79,750 | $38.34 |
| Highest 10% earn more than | $96,940 | $46.61 |
How much does a scrub tech make?
Scrub tech, surgical technician and operating room technician are other names for a surgical technologist, so the pay is the same: a median of $64,650 a year. The BLS counts all of these job titles as one occupation (surgical technologists) and does not report scrub tech pay separately. Not sure how the titles differ? See surgical technologist vs surgical technician.
What is the surgical tech salary in every state?
Median annual and hourly pay for surgical technologists by state, ranked from highest to lowest. Hourly is the annual median divided by 2,080 hours.
| # | State | Median annual salary | Median hourly | vs national median ($64,650) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $82,640 | $39.73 | +28% |
| 2 | Oregon | $81,390 | $39.13 | +26% |
| 3 | California | $81,310 | $39.09 | +26% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $80,870 | $38.88 | +25% |
| 5 | Alaska | $80,380 | $38.64 | +24% |
| 6 | Minnesota | $80,210 | $38.56 | +24% |
| 7 | Connecticut | $79,890 | $38.41 | +24% |
| 8 | New York | $79,550 | $38.25 | +23% |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $77,520 | $37.27 | +20% |
| 10 | Washington | $77,270 | $37.15 | +20% |
| 11 | New Jersey | $77,200 | $37.12 | +19% |
| 12 | Colorado | $75,740 | $36.41 | +17% |
| 13 | Nevada | $75,480 | $36.29 | +17% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | $75,040 | $36.08 | +16% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | $74,130 | $35.64 | +15% |
| 16 | Wisconsin | $74,120 | $35.63 | +15% |
| 17 | Idaho | $72,550 | $34.88 | +12% |
| 18 | Arizona | $72,260 | $34.74 | +12% |
| 19 | Maryland | $68,970 | $33.16 | +7% |
| 20 | Virginia | $67,580 | $32.49 | +5% |
| 21 | Texas | $65,220 | $31.36 | +1% |
| 22 | Illinois | $64,650 | $31.08 | Same as national |
| 23 | Indiana | $64,240 | $30.88 | -1% |
| 24 | Georgia | $64,010 | $30.77 | -1% |
| 25 | Nebraska | $63,880 | $30.71 | -1% |
| 26 | Michigan | $63,320 | $30.44 | -2% |
| 27 | Maine | $62,860 | $30.22 | -3% |
| 28 | Utah | $62,720 | $30.15 | -3% |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $62,680 | $30.13 | -3% |
| 30 | Florida | $62,440 | $30.02 | -3% |
| 31 | Ohio | $62,420 | $30.01 | -3% |
| 32 | Delaware | $62,250 | $29.93 | -4% |
| 33 | South Carolina | $62,160 | $29.88 | -4% |
| 34 | North Dakota | $61,640 | $29.63 | -5% |
| 35 | Oklahoma | $61,190 | $29.42 | -5% |
| 36 | Missouri | $61,120 | $29.38 | -5% |
| 37 | Montana | $60,970 | $29.31 | -6% |
| 38 | North Carolina | $60,920 | $29.29 | -6% |
| 39 | Vermont | $60,660 | $29.16 | -6% |
| 40 | Kansas | $60,600 | $29.13 | -6% |
| 41 | Iowa | $60,540 | $29.11 | -6% |
| 42 | Tennessee | $60,530 | $29.10 | -6% |
| 43 | Kentucky | $60,490 | $29.08 | -6% |
| 44 | South Dakota | $59,870 | $28.78 | -7% |
| 45 | Wyoming | $58,850 | $28.29 | -9% |
| 46 | Arkansas | $57,400 | $27.60 | -11% |
| 47 | Louisiana | $57,370 | $27.58 | -11% |
| 48 | New Mexico | $51,780 | $24.89 | -20% |
| 49 | Mississippi | $49,810 | $23.95 | -23% |
| 50 | Alabama | $49,420 | $23.76 | -24% |
| 51 | West Virginia | $49,110 | $23.61 | -24% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Puerto Rico's median is $30,600.
Which states pay surgical techs the most?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 data, Hawaii leads the nation with a median surgical tech salary of $82,640, 28% above the national median. Oregon ($81,390) and California ($81,310) follow, with Massachusetts ($80,870) and Alaska ($80,380) close behind. Nevada, which topped older rankings, now sits at $75,480, still 17% above the national median.
Alaska's position makes sense given the "Alaska premium" applied to nearly every profession in the state. What's less obvious is that 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.
- Connecticut ($79,890) sits just $1,420 below California, and its lower cost of living means that pay stretches considerably further.
- A surgical tech in Hartford can take home more purchasing power than one in San Francisco, despite California's higher pay on paper.
The lowest-paying states tell an equally instructive story. West Virginia ($49,110), Alabama ($49,420) and Mississippi ($49,810) anchor the bottom of the pay scale. That's a $33,530 annual difference between Hawaii and West Virginia for performing essentially identical work. Put another way, a West Virginia surgical tech would need to work about eight extra months each year to match a Hawaii counterpart's annual earnings.
How much do surgical techs make in Texas, California, Florida and New York?
| State | Median annual salary (BLS, May 2025) | vs national | Training in this state |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $81,310 | +26% | Surgical tech programs in California |
| New York | $79,550 | +23% | Pay in New York City is usually above the state median |
| Texas | $65,220 | +1% | Surgical tech programs in Texas(Texas requires certification at licensed facilities) |
| Florida | $62,440 | -3% | Surgical tech programs in Florida |
Does certification increase surgical tech pay?
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and Nationally Registered Surgical Technologist (NRST) certifications (to name a few) are not legally required in most states, which leads many newcomers to question their value. Some states do require it: Texas, for example, requires certification at licensed facilities (see our surgical tech certification guide). The data on pay points the same way:
- Certification doesn't change the BLS pay figures above, but it changes which jobs you can apply for. Many hospitals prefer or require certified techs, and that wider access, including to specialty roles, is where most of the pay benefit comes from.
- Certification also tends to work as a tiebreaker when candidates have similar experience.
- Some hospital systems require certification for all new surgical tech hires, whatever their experience, so check the job postings where you want to work.
Which surgical tech specialties pay the most?
Not all surgical tech positions pay the same, even within the same hospital system. Subspecialty assignment can create significant pay disparities that catch newcomers off guard. For a full breakdown, see which surgical tech specialties pay the most.
Cardiovascular and thoracic surgical techs are often among the best paid. These procedures require extensive additional skills and knowledge of cardiopulmonary bypass equipment, intricate suturing techniques, and the ability to anticipate needs during procedures.
Neurosurgery is another well-paid specialty. The precision requirements, long procedures and specialized equipment knowledge justify the differential. Plus, neurosurgery has a higher barrier to entry: many hospitals want a few years of general surgical tech experience before they consider candidates for neuro positions.
Orthopedic surgery and robotics-assisted procedures are emerging as premium categories. The rise of surgical robots like the da Vinci system has created demand for techs who can set up, troubleshoot, and assist with robotic procedures.
- These positions often include additional manufacturer-specific training and certification, which can bring higher pay.
Do surgical techs earn more in hospitals or surgery centers?
Pay is similar across the main settings. BLS data shows only a small gap between hospitals and outpatient centers, though outpatient surgical centers often offer more predictable hours and less call time. For surgical techs prioritizing work-life balance over maximum earnings, this trade-off can make sense.
| Work setting | Median annual salary (BLS, May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Hospitals (state, local and private) | $65,020 |
| Outpatient care centers | $64,670 |
| Offices of physicians | $64,590 |
| Administrative and support services (includes staffing agencies) | $62,400 |
| Offices of dentists | $48,190 |
Can you earn more by working across state lines or as a travel tech?
Take the Nevada–Arizona border. A surgical tech can live in Bullhead City, Arizona while working in Laughlin, Nevada. Nevada's state median ($75,480) is about $3,200 higher than Arizona's ($72,260), and local pay and housing costs can widen that gap further.
Similar arbitrage opportunities exist along the Connecticut–Massachusetts border, the Kansas–Missouri border around Kansas City, and in several communities along the Colorado–Wyoming border. Surgical techs don't have an interstate licensure compact like nurses do, and some states regulate who can work as a surgical tech, so check each state's rules before you commute across a border.
Travel surgical tech positions represent another arbitrage strategy. Travel staffing agencies recruit surgical techs for 13-week assignments around the country, usually with a weekly rate plus a housing stipend or housing. Taking assignments in high-paying markets while keeping a home base in a lower-cost area is one way some techs raise their annual earnings.
How does surgical tech pay change with experience?
Surgical tech pay usually rises fastest in the first few years and then levels off sooner than in many other healthcare roles. BLS doesn't report pay by years of experience, but its percentiles show the spread: the 25th percentile earns $54,690 and the 75th percentile earns $79,750 (May 2025).
- New techs usually start nearer the lower percentiles and move toward the median and above as they gain experience.
This flattening has strategic implications. Surgical techs who want to maximize long-term earning potential typically pursue one of three paths:
- Transition into surgical first assistant roles (requiring additional certification and training).
- Move into OR management positions.
- Become clinical educators.
- Each path can lift pay above the usual surgical tech range.
See the full surgical tech career path for how each route works.
How much do surgical first assistants make?
The first assistant route represents the most direct earnings escalation. Surgical first assistants perform more advanced intraoperative tasks, such as suturing, providing exposure, and controlling bleeding. According to the BLS, surgical assistants earned a median of $66,800 in May 2025, and the top 10% earned more than $107,610. Those working in physicians' offices had a median of $80,210, and those in hospitals $76,740. Compare the two roles in surgical technologist vs surgical assistant.
How do insurance reimbursements affect surgical tech pay?
Your salary is constrained by what Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers pay for surgical procedures. When reimbursement rates drop, hospitals feel pressure to control labor costs. When rates increase, there's more room for raises and bonuses.
Hospitals performing high volumes of total joint replacements, cardiac procedures, and neurosurgeries have shown more willingness to offer competitive surgical tech wages and retention bonuses. Conversely, hospitals heavily dependent on Medicaid reimbursement (which varies dramatically by state) often struggle to match private hospital compensation.
How does your training path affect when you start earning?
The surgical tech training landscape includes three primary options:
- Dedicated fast-track programs like Health Tech Academy.
- Traditional community college programs.
- Online-hybrid programs.
Your choice impacts how quickly you start earning. For timelines by route, see how long it takes to become a surgical tech.
Job-ready in about 4–6 months
Health Tech Academy's online Surgical Technologist program is 16 weeks, self-paced and 260 hours, and most students are job-ready in about 4–6 months. The list price is $3,450 and covers tuition, registration, an e-book, curriculum guides and one NRST exam voucher, with a payment plan of $265 down and $265 a month for 12 months. You also get five 1-on-1 coaching sessions.
Community college programs usually charge tuition by the semester over 1–2 years, with books, materials and exam fees on top, and online college programs vary widely in cost and length. For a side-by-side comparison, see the fastest surgical tech programs.
Want the TS-C route with a clinical externship? See the Surgical Tech Professional program.
The math gets interesting when you factor in opportunity cost. Starting work six months earlier means about half a year's pay you wouldn't have otherwise: roughly $32,000 at the BLS median. For someone entering surgical technology in their 20s or 30s, that head start compounds over decades.
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What is the job outlook for surgical techs?
The BLS projects employment of surgical assistants and technologists to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 8,600 openings a year, many from people retiring or changing jobs. Several trends will drive surgical tech compensation through 2030 and beyond:
- The aging Baby Boomer population requires increasing surgical volumes. Knee replacements, cardiac procedures, and cancer surgeries don't decline with economic downturns. This demographic tailwind supports stable demand for surgical techs.
- Robotic-assisted procedures are a growing share of surgeries. Hospitals need techs who can competently work with da Vinci, Mako, and other robotic platforms. These specialized skills command premium compensation.
- The shortage of surgical techs in rural and underserved areas is creating retention bonus opportunities. Some rural and critical access hospitals offer retention bonuses to surgical techs who commit to multi-year contracts. Combined with lower rural housing costs, these packages can be financially alluring.
- Healthcare systems are also experimenting with surgical tech career ladders that reward continuous learning and expertise development. Some large health systems have introduced tiered surgical tech levels (I, II and III) with matching pay scales.
Salary advancement requires additional certifications, precepting responsibilities, or quality improvement involvement, but it creates earning potential beyond the traditional plateau. Weighing the career overall? Read is surgical tech a good career?
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Free Practice Exam →Frequently asked questions
What is the average surgical tech salary?
The median surgical technologist salary in the U.S. is $64,650 a year, or about $31.08 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average (mean) is higher, at about $68,710, because a smaller group of high earners pulls it up.
How much do surgical techs make an hour?
The median hourly wage for surgical technologists is about $31.08 (BLS, May 2025). The lowest-paid 10% earn under about $22 an hour and the highest-paid 10% earn over about $46 an hour.
How much does a scrub tech make?
Scrub tech is another name for a surgical technologist, so pay is the same: a median of $64,650 a year (BLS, May 2025). BLS does not report scrub techs separately.
Which state pays surgical techs the highest salary?
Hawaii has the highest median surgical tech salary at $82,640 a year, followed by Oregon ($81,390) and California ($81,310), based on BLS May 2025 data. However, cost of living significantly impacts purchasing power, so Connecticut's wages ($79,890) may stretch further than California's.
What state pays surgical techs the least?
West Virginia ($49,110), Alabama ($49,420) and Mississippi ($49,810) have the lowest median surgical tech salaries, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Is a surgical tech certification worth the investment?
For most people, yes. Many hospitals prefer or require certified surgical techs, and some states, such as Texas, require certification by law at licensed facilities. Certification can also open the door to specialty and first assistant roles.
Do surgical techs earn more in hospitals or surgery centers?
Pay is similar. BLS reports a median of $65,020 in hospitals, $64,670 in outpatient care centers and $64,590 in physicians' offices (May 2025). Offices of dentists pay less, at $48,190.
What surgical tech specialties pay the most?
Cardiovascular, neurosurgery and robotics-assisted surgery are commonly reported as the best-paid specialties, because they need extra skills and experience. Most techs specialize after two to three years of general experience.
How quickly do surgical tech salaries increase with experience?
Pay usually rises fastest in the first five years and then levels off. BLS does not report pay by years of experience, but its data shows the 25th percentile at $54,690 and the 75th percentile at $79,750 (May 2025). Moving into a specialty, first assistant or management role is the usual route to higher pay.
How much do surgical first assistants make?
Surgical assistants earned a median of $66,800 a year in May 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $107,610, according to BLS. Those working in physicians' offices had a median of $80,210.
Can surgical techs work remotely or find flexible scheduling?
Surgical techs cannot work remotely: the role requires physical presence in operating rooms. However, per diem, travel, and contract positions offer significant schedule flexibility. Many techs work compressed schedules (three 12-hour shifts weekly) or take travel assignments with 13-week commitments followed by time off.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Surgical Assistants and Technologists(pay, settings, outlook; May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Surgical Technologists (29-2055)(percentiles and state medians; May 2025)
- Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 259: Surgical Technologists
