After learning the basics, you may realize surgical technology is your dream field. This raises a common question among aspiring surgical techs: “How much do they make?” People also refer to a surgical technician as a surgical technologist or an operating room technician.
They are vital to medical practice, assisting surgeons, preparing operating rooms, and sterilizing equipment before procedures. They also have to keep everything that happens in the operating room in mind so that the operation runs smoothly. Education and skills make them an integral part of any surgical team. So what can one expect about the salary regarding this segment?
The rest of the discussion will deal with the earnings of surgical techs-employers, among many other things.
What is a Surgical Tech ?
Surgical technicians are health care personnel assisting surgeons, nurses, and medical personnel inside the operating room and in other medical procedures. As such, the surgical team ensures that all instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and in good working order when preparing an operating room.
Surgical techs are helpful in the setup of instruments, during surgery, and for the surgical team.
There are two categories of surgical techs:
- Surgical Technologist: Surgical technologists provide support for various surgeries, from common procedures to specialized ones like orthopedic or neurosurgery.
- Surgical Assistant: Surgical assistants, advanced surgical technicians, help with incisions and suturing during operations.
How Much Do Surgical Techs Make ?
Your workplace, experience, location, and facility type determine a surgical tech’s salary. In the U.S., they earn an average of $50,000–$60,000 annually, though salaries can range from $40,000 to $75,000 based on various factors.
Here is an overview of the average salary based on common factors:
1. Level of experience
Just like many other jobs in the health sector, experience plays a big role in how much one earns as a surgical technician. In a rough estimate, the average surgical tech salary has increased with experience as follows:
- Entry Level: Surgical technicians who have just graduated probably earn an average of $40,000-$45,000 on a yearly basis.
- Mid-Career: Surgical technicians in employment for 5-10 years make between $50,000 and $55,000.
- Experienced: Surgical tech salaries range from $60,000 to $70,000 yearly, with specialists earning more after 10+ years of experience.
2. Location
The state or region in which one works has a huge impact on salary. Surgical techs are usually earning more in big metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living. Examples include:
- In fact, surgical tech salaries in California, New York, and Massachusetts are even higher. Some positions are even known to pay more than $70,000 yearly.
- In rural areas or those that have a lower cost of living, they may offer salaries close to $45,000-$50,000.
3. Type of Employer
Earnings are also affected by the place of employability. Surgical techs can earn more in certain healthcare settings than others:
- Hospitals offer surgical technologists the highest pay, ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 annually.
- Outpatient facilities or clinics pay $45,000–$55,000 with fewer call hours and a fixed schedule.
- Specialized surgical centers like orthopedic or cardiovascular centers might compensate very well compared to mere general surgery centers.
4. Specialization
Salary variations for surgical techs who receive specialized training in cardiovascular or neurosurgery tend to be on the higher range. Specialized pathways requiring extensive training and education tend to be favored over their non-specialized counterparts in terms of remuneration. A cardiac or brain surgical tech receives an approximate annual salary of $55,000 to $75,000 depending on experience.
Job Outlook for Surgical Techs
The future scope for surgical technician jobs is very optimistic. According to the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% job growth for surgical technologists from 2021 to 2031. Growing populations and healthcare demands increase the need for surgical technicians.
Advancements in technology are pioneering many new opportunities in surgical technology, particularly in clinics and ambulatory surgical centers, by enabling referrals for minimally invasive surgery and outpatient procedures.. Thus, additional opportunities are much more important for those entering this profession or wanting to customize within a particular type of surgery.
How to Become a Surgical Tech ?
Education, training, and experience are keys to becoming a surgical tech. The pathway generally includes:
- Completion of courses in surgical technology would be the first step: It would involve earning a surgical technology degree or certificate from an accredited surgical technology program. Most programs take between 9 months and 2 years to complete and include subjects such as surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and operating room practices.
- Then you obtain experience: When applied clinical training is part of a program, you will get to move around real surgical environments to learn by doing. This is integral in your training.
- It follows the next certification: Optional, but most employers prefer or require this certification. The certification is done by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
- The last is Maintenance of Certification: The process of maintenance of certification. includes re-educating yourself and attending periodic courses for continuing education.
Conclusion
The surgical clips have a remarkably important bearing on the success of the surgical procedures, and the complements amply reflect this. How much do surgical techs make? On average, a $50,000-$60,000 price level would be a broad estimate, which can vary based on experience, location, and specialty-wise enhancements. The profession has reasonable job security and is very promising, thus making it an excellent alternative for any individual wanting to work in the healthcare industry but wishing to avoid the long hours faced during training of some other medical conventions.
Read Also : How Long Does It Take To Become A Surgical Tech?
FAQs About Surgical Tech Salaries
Surgical techs earn an average hourly wage of $24 to $30 per hour, depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialty.
Surgical technologists make a decent salary, but that amount is generally considered lower than other healthcare careers, such as those of nursing professions or physicians. This salary is, however, still said to be relatively high for something requiring this much education and training.
Yes, surgical techs who work overtime, on-call shifts, or in facilities with a higher demand for procedures may earn additional pay. This can increase their total salary by a significant amount.
Factors that influence salary include your level of experience, the region where you work, the type of healthcare facility, and whether you have a specialization in a certain field of surgery.
