Surgical Technologist in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Massachusetts
To become a Surgical Technologist in Massachusetts, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES and obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While Massachusetts does not issue a state license, state law mandates that surgical technologists hold a current NBSTSA certification or meet specific alternative qualifications to practice. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which costs $340 for non-members and $230 for AST members, and requires 30 continuing education hours every two years for renewal.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($340) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Massachusetts state law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA or meet alternative qualifications. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. The NBSTSA CST exam costs $230 for AST members and $340 for non-members. An additional $85 rush processing fee is available for first-time test takers. Eligibility for the CST exam requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or a military surgical technology training program. Some programs may require a background check and immunizations. |
Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Massachusetts
The median surgical technologist salary in Massachusetts is $78,300 per year, which is 24.6% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,430 |
| 25th | $62,740 |
| 50th (median) | $78,300 |
| 75th | $88,010 |
| 90th (experienced) | $105,800 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 2,240 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 Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.