Surgical Technologist in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Hawaii
While Hawaii does not have state-level licensing for Surgical Technologists, most employers require national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To become certified, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by the CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical technology program. Candidates then need to pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits or by re-taking the exam.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Hawaii
| Detail | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical technology program. |
| Exam | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($290) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Hawaii does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, national certification from the NBSTSA (CST) is generally required by employers. A comprehensive background check and proof of identity are required for NBSTSA certification. The CST exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions (150 scored) and candidates must answer at least 98 correctly to pass. Renewal can also be achieved by re-taking and passing the CST exam. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Hawaii
The median surgical technologist salary in Hawaii is $76,200 per year, which is 21.3% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,310 |
| 25th | $53,360 |
| 50th (median) | $76,200 |
| 75th | $85,590 |
| 90th (experienced) | $93,770 |
Hawaii employs approximately 350 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 Hawaii Worth It?
Factors to consider: Hawaii's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.