Surgical Technologist in Mississippi

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS

Median Salary
$48,020
Mississippi (2024)
National Median
$62,830
All states
Time to Complete
9 months - 2 years (program dependent)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Mississippi

To become a Surgical Technologist in Mississippi, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Aspiring surgical technologists must complete a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or a military surgical-technician training program. Upon completion of an accredited program, candidates must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which costs $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits.

Surgical Technologist Requirements in Mississippi

DetailMississippi
Licensing BodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State License Required No
EducationCompletion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($190)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesMississippi does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Candidates must pass a criminal background check and be up-to-date on immunizations. Minimum age for program admission is typically 18 years old. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

Surgical Technologist Salary in Mississippi

The median surgical technologist salary in Mississippi is $48,020 per year, which is 23.6% below the national median of $62,830.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$37,960
25th$42,220
50th (median)$48,020
75th$56,880
90th (experienced)$63,980

Mississippi employs approximately 1,200 surgical technologists.

Surgical Technologist Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
7
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
115.6
Nationwide

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 Mississippi Worth It?

Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a surgical technologist in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.), and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Is a state license required for surgical technologists in Mississippi?
surgical technologists in Mississippi are not required to hold a state license. Note: Mississippi does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Candidates must pass a criminal background check and be up-to-date on immunizations. Minimum age for program admission is typically 18 years old. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.
How much do surgical technologists make in Mississippi?
surgical technologists in Mississippi earn a median of $48,020 annually. That's 24% below the national median of $62,830. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,960, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $63,980.
What's the total cost to get surgical technologist certified in Mississippi?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($190) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in Mississippi?
Expect to spend 9 months - 2 years (program dependent) from start to finish in Mississippi — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What's required to renew a surgical technologist license in Mississippi?
License renewal in Mississippi requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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