Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania
To become a Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania, individuals must obtain a state license through the Pennsylvania Department of State and hold a current certification from an accredited program, such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. This involves completing a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, passing the NBSTSA CST exam, and submitting an application with a fee to the state. Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Pennsylvania
| Detail | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Pennsylvania Department of State (for state license); National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($290) |
| Application Fee | $200 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Pennsylvania Act 80 of 2020 requires surgical technologists to graduate from an accredited program and hold and maintain a surgical technologist certification from an accredited certification program, such as the NBSTSA CST. Employers are responsible for verification. A background check is required for state licensure. Individuals employed as surgical technologists before December 28, 2020, or those who completed a military surgical technology program, may be exempt from some requirements. The state application also requires proof of identity. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Pennsylvania
The median surgical technologist salary in Pennsylvania is $61,770 per year, which is 1.7% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,950 |
| 25th | $52,370 |
| 50th (median) | $61,770 |
| 75th | $72,470 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,920 |
Pennsylvania employs approximately 4,710 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 Pennsylvania Worth It?
Factors to consider: Pennsylvania's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.