Surgical Technologist in Alabama
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Alabama
To become a Surgical Technologist in Alabama, while state licensure is not required, most employers prefer or require national certification. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Eligibility for the CST exam typically requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. Another option is the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), which has different eligibility pathways including education or experience. Both certifications require continuing education for renewal.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Alabama
| Detail | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for CST or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for TS-C |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program (for CST); High school diploma/GED and completion of a surgical technology program from an NCCT-authorized school or 3 years of experience as a surgical tech (for TS-C) |
| Exam | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam or Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) exam ($190) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Alabama does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification (CST or TS-C). Minimum age is not specified for certification, but typically aligns with program admission requirements (e.g., high school diploma/GED). Background checks and drug screens are often required for program admission and employment. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Alabama
The median surgical technologist salary in Alabama is $48,920 per year, which is 22.1% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,940 |
| 25th | $39,070 |
| 50th (median) | $48,920 |
| 75th | $57,960 |
| 90th (experienced) | $65,400 |
Alabama employs approximately 2,610 surgical technologists.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Surgical Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.48/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Alabama Worth It?
Factors to consider: Alabama's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.