Surgical Technologist
State-by-state licensing requirements, salary data, and career ROI
What Is a Surgical Technologist?
Surgical Technologists assist during operations by preparing operating rooms, arranging equipment, sterilizing instruments, and passing tools to surgeons. They work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialty clinics. Certification typically requires completing an accredited 1–2 year program and passing the CST exam.
The Landscape
The dramatic salary difference of over $33,000 between the highest and lowest paying states is the most critical factor for career planning. While some states mandate ongoing continuing education (CE) hours for licensure, ranging from 15 hours annually to 60 over four years, many states streamline the entry process by not requiring a state license at all. This diverse regulatory landscape means your career path can vary significantly depending on where you choose to practice, balancing potential earnings with administrative requirements.
Surgical Technologist by State
Click any state for detailed requirements, salary percentiles, and ROI analysis.
| State | License Required | Median Salary | vs. National | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | $48,920 | -22.1% | 9-24 months for education program, plus exam preparation |
| Alaska | No | $79,040 | +25.8% | 9-24 months for education program |
| Arizona | No | $67,530 | +7.5% | 9-24 months for education, plus exam and application processing time |
| Arkansas | No | $53,400 | -15.0% | — |
| California | No | $81,120 | +29.1% | 12-24 months for education program; 6 weeks for NBSTSA application processing (rush processing available for $85 fee) |
| Colorado | No | $65,690 | +4.6% | 12-24 months (for accredited programs) |
| Connecticut | No | $80,590 | +28.3% | 9-24 months for education program |
| Delaware | No | $62,230 | -1.0% | 1-5 years (program dependent) |
| District of Columbia | No | $65,450 | +4.2% | 9-24 months |
| Florida | No | $61,030 | -2.9% | 12-24 months for education program |
| Georgia | No | $60,880 | -3.1% | 12-24 months (program) |
| Hawaii | No | $76,200 | +21.3% | 9-24 months (for education program) |
| Idaho | No | $62,930 | +0.2% | 9-24 months |
| Illinois | No | $62,510 | -0.5% | 9-24 months |
| Indiana | No | $61,610 | -1.9% | 12-24 months (program dependent) |
| Iowa | No | $53,920 | -14.2% | Typically 9-24 months for an accredited program |
| Kansas | No | $57,580 | -8.4% | 9-24 months |
| Kentucky | No | $52,240 | -16.9% | 9-24 months for education program |
| Louisiana | No | $51,930 | -17.3% | 9-24 months |
| Maine | No | $63,000 | +0.3% | 12-24 months |
| Maryland | No | $66,550 | +5.9% | 9-24 months |
| Massachusetts | No | $78,300 | +24.6% | 9-24 months |
| Michigan | No | $62,320 | -0.8% | 9-24 months |
| Minnesota | No | $77,950 | +24.1% | 12-24 months for education program, plus exam time |
| Mississippi | No | $48,020 | -23.6% | 9 months - 2 years (program dependent) |
| Missouri | No | $60,420 | -3.8% | 9-24 months |
| Montana | No | $60,610 | -3.5% | 9-24 months |
| Nebraska | No | $62,670 | -0.3% | 1-2 years (for certificate or associate's degree program) |
| Nevada | No | $76,740 | +22.1% | 9-24 months |
| New Hampshire | No | $67,490 | +7.4% | 9-24 months |
| New Jersey | No | $71,370 | +13.6% | 9-24 months |
| New Mexico | No | $52,780 | -16.0% | 1-2 years for education program |
| New York | No | $75,250 | +19.8% | 9-24 months |
| North Carolina | No | $58,710 | -6.6% | 9-24 months |
| North Dakota | No | $59,990 | -4.5% | 9-24 months |
| Ohio | No | $60,360 | -3.9% | 9-24 months |
| Oklahoma | No | $57,310 | -8.8% | 9-24 months for education program; 3-5 weeks for application processing |
| Oregon | No | $79,410 | +26.4% | 9-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | $61,770 | -1.7% | 12-24 months for education, plus application processing time |
| Rhode Island | No | $68,280 | +8.7% | 1-5 years (program dependent) |
| South Carolina | No | $60,780 | -3.3% | 9-24 months |
| South Dakota | No | $52,400 | -16.6% | 9-24 months |
| Tennessee | No | $56,370 | -10.3% | 12-24 months for education programs; certification obtained within 18 months of program completion if not certified at hire. |
| Texas | No | $62,640 | -0.3% | 9-24 months |
| Utah | No | $63,380 | +0.9% | Typically 9-24 months for an accredited program |
| Vermont | No | $62,800 | -0.0% | 9-24 months |
| Virginia | No | $63,460 | +1.0% | 9-24 months |
| Washington | No | $73,460 | +16.9% | 12-24 months for education program; 3-5 weeks for application processing |
| West Virginia | No | $47,700 | -24.1% | 1-5 years (program dependent) |
| Wisconsin | No | $65,870 | +4.8% | 9-24 months for education program; certification exam is 4 hours |
| Wyoming | No | $54,610 | -13.1% | Varies (typically 1-5 years for education program) |
Highest-Paying States for Surgical Technologists
| # | State | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $81,120 | 10,570 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $80,590 | 1,220 |
| 3 | Oregon | $79,410 | 1,190 |
| 4 | Alaska | $79,040 | 290 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $78,300 | 2,240 |
| 6 | Minnesota | $77,950 | 1,640 |
| 7 | Nevada | $76,740 | 1,120 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $76,200 | 350 |
| 9 | New York | $75,250 | 5,910 |
| 10 | Washington | $73,460 | 2,380 |