Surgical Technologist in Montana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Montana
To become a Surgical Technologist in Montana, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. However, most employers require national certification from either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and pass a national certification exam, such as the CST exam administered by the NBSTSA. Certification is typically valid for four years and requires ongoing continuing education to maintain.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Montana
| Detail | Montana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program (certificate or associate degree) |
| Exam | CST exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C exam (NCCT) |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Montana does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, national certification (CST or TS-C) is strongly recommended and typically required by employers. Programs are generally 12-24 months. The CST certification requires ongoing continuing education for maintenance. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Montana
The median surgical technologist salary in Montana is $60,610 per year, which is 3.5% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,200 |
| 25th | $50,630 |
| 50th (median) | $60,610 |
| 75th | $65,590 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,570 |
Montana employs approximately 420 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 Montana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Montana's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.