Surgical Technologist in New York

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

Median Salary
$75,250
New York (2024)
National Median
$62,830
All states
Time to Complete
9-24 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Surgical Technologist in New York

To become a Surgical Technologist in New York, individuals must complete a nationally accredited educational program for surgical technologists and obtain certification from a nationally accredited organization such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). New York does not issue a state license; instead, employers are responsible for verifying that surgical technologists meet these certification and education requirements. Certification through the NBSTSA (CST) typically requires renewal every two years with 30 continuing education hours, while the NCCT (TS-C) requires annual renewal with 14 continuing education hours.

Surgical Technologist Requirements in New York

DetailNew York
Licensing BodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
State License Required No
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
Exam NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesNew York State law (effective 2015) requires surgical technologists to have completed a nationally accredited educational program and hold a current certification from a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization (like NBSTSA or NCCT) to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Grandfathering provisions and military training exemptions apply. Surgical technologists must annually complete fifteen hours of continuing education to remain qualified to practice in a healthcare facility, though national certifications may have different renewal cycles and CE requirements.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)

Surgical Technologist Salary in New York

The median surgical technologist salary in New York is $75,250 per year, which is 19.8% above the national median of $62,830.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$50,370
25th$60,180
50th (median)$75,250
75th$85,860
90th (experienced)$101,920

New York employs approximately 5,910 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 New York Worth It?

Factors to consider: New York'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

How do I become a surgical technologist in New York?
In New York, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.
Can I work as a surgical technologist in New York without a license?
New York does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: New York State law (effective 2015) requires surgical technologists to have completed a nationally accredited educational program and hold a current certification from a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization (like NBSTSA or NCCT) to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Grandfathering provisions and military training exemptions apply. Surgical technologists must annually complete fifteen hours of continuing education to remain qualified to practice in a healthcare facility, though national certifications may have different renewal cycles and CE requirements.
What do surgical technologists earn in New York?
New York surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $75,250. That's 20% above the national median of $62,830. Wages range from $50,370 (10th percentile) up to $101,920 (90th percentile).
How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in New York?
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($350) and required training.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in New York?
Most candidates in New York complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in New York?
License renewal in New York requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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