Imaging, surgical & emergency
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms and equipment and help during surgeries.
U.S. median pay
$31.08/hr
$64,650/yr
Projected growth
+5%
2025–35
Openings per year
7,100
average, 2025–35
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
U.S. median hourly pay · BLS May 2025
$31.08
an hour · $64,650 a year
- 10th
- $22.09
- 25th
- $26.29
- Median
- $31.08
- 75th
- $38.34
- 90th
- $46.61
Hourly pay range: 10th percentile $22.09/hr, median $31.08/hr, 90th percentile $46.61/hr.
Education, licensing and how to get started
The Occupational Outlook Handbook explains the training, licensing and certification for this role. BLS: How to become one
Sources
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Surgical Technologist, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 (SOC 29-2055), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Employment Projections, 2025–35, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.