Surgical Technologist in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Delaware
To become a Surgical Technologist in Delaware, while there is no state-level licensing, most employers require national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This typically involves completing an accredited surgical technologist program and passing the CST Exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education hours.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Delaware
| Detail | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for CST certification (employer-driven, not state-mandated) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of an accredited surgical technologist program (CAAHEP or ABHES accredited) or a military surgical-technician training program. |
| Exam | CST Exam (NBSTSA) ($290) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Delaware does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Minimum age of 18 and a clean background check are generally required by employers. Some programs may require a physical exam, TB test, and drug screen. Some employers may accept on-the-job training or relevant work experience as a substitute for certification. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Delaware
The median surgical technologist salary in Delaware is $62,230 per year, which is 1.0% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,190 |
| 25th | $52,620 |
| 50th (median) | $62,230 |
| 75th | $64,950 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,820 |
Delaware employs approximately 370 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 Delaware Worth It?
Factors to consider: Delaware's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.