Surgical Technologist in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Missouri
While Missouri does not have state-level licensing for Surgical Technologists, most employers 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). To become certified, individuals must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and pass the CST exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits and paying an application fee.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Missouri does not have a state-level licensing body for Surgical Technologists. Certification is typically through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Graduation from 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. |
| Exam | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($290) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Missouri does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Applicants for the CST exam must complete their training program within 5 years of taking the exam. A person may be employed as a surgical technologist for a 12-month period immediately following graduation from an accredited program, but cannot continue employment beyond that period without CST certification. Annual completion of 15 hours of continuing education is required for employment in a licensed healthcare facility. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Missouri
The median surgical technologist salary in Missouri is $60,420 per year, which is 3.8% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,150 |
| 25th | $50,760 |
| 50th (median) | $60,420 |
| 75th | $68,900 |
| 90th (experienced) | $81,540 |
Missouri employs approximately 2,060 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 Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.