Surgical Technologist in Utah
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for UT
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Utah
In Utah, there are no state-level licensing requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). To achieve this, individuals must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and pass the NBSTSA's National Board Certifying Examination. The CST certification is recognized nationwide.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Utah
| Detail | Utah |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state licensing body; national certification is employer-driven |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program |
| Exam | National Board Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists (CST) ($290) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Utah does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Some programs may require a background check, drug screen, and CPR certification for admission. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. |
Source: No state licensing body; national certification is employer-driven
Surgical Technologist Salary in Utah
The median surgical technologist salary in Utah is $63,380 per year, which is 0.9% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,640 |
| 25th | $49,810 |
| 50th (median) | $63,380 |
| 75th | $75,710 |
| 90th (experienced) | $84,780 |
Utah employs approximately 1,040 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 Utah Worth It?
Factors to consider: Utah's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.