Surgical technologists earn a solid income for a two-year credential, and pay has strengthened in recent years as hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers compete for experienced OR staff. Here is what the numbers look like for 2026.
National Median Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks surgical technologists under SOC 29-2055. The national median annual wage is approximately $57,800, or about $27.79 per hour. This is well above the national median for all occupations.
By experience level:
- New graduate CST (0-1 year): $44,000-$52,000/year
- Experienced CST (2-5 years): $52,000-$65,000/year
- Senior CST or specialty OR (5+ years): $65,000-$82,000/year
- CST in high-cost markets (California, NY): $75,000-$95,000+
Salary by Setting
Hospital Operating Rooms
Hospitals employ the majority of surgical technologists and generally offer the highest base pay, particularly for in-demand specialties. Level I and II trauma centers with 24/7 OR coverage pay shift differentials that add $2-$5/hr to base wages. Hospitals with strong union representation (common in California, New York, and the Pacific Northwest) have negotiated wages substantially above non-union facilities.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs)
ASCs perform high volumes of outpatient procedures in a more efficient, scheduled environment. Pay at ASCs is often comparable to hospitals but without overnight on-call obligations. Many surgical techs who value work-life balance prefer ASC employment. Base pay ranges from $48,000 to $68,000 depending on volume, location, and specialty focus of the center.
Specialty OR Premiums
Surgical technologists who specialize command higher pay. The specialties with the strongest premium:
- Cardiovascular/Open Heart: The most demanding and typically highest-paying specialty for scrub techs. $70,000-$90,000+ at major centers.
- Neurosurgery: Technically demanding, long cases, high acuity. Premium pay at academic centers.
- Robotic Surgery (da Vinci): Facilities with high robotic volume seek trained techs. Robot-credentialed techs earn a meaningful premium.
- Orthopedic: High volume at many facilities, good pay and consistent case load.
- Trauma: Call pay and emergency case differentials increase total compensation significantly.
Top-Paying States
Based on BLS occupational employment statistics:
- California — Highest median in the nation. Annual median exceeds $80,000 in major metro markets. Union density and state labor laws drive wages well above national norms.
- Nevada — Las Vegas metro facilities pay competitively due to healthcare worker demand relative to population growth.
- Alaska — High cost of living and staffing shortages push wages above median.
- Washington — Seattle area academic and regional medical centers pay well.
- Oregon — Portland area surgical tech wages have grown with the expanding healthcare market.
- Connecticut and Massachusetts — Academic medical centers in the Northeast pay among the highest in the region.
Call Pay and Overtime
Hospital surgical techs on call receive a call pay rate (typically $3-$6/hr while on standby) plus time-and-a-half or double time when called in. Techs who take regular call shifts can add $8,000-$15,000 or more to their annual earnings. Some hospitals structure voluntary overtime to address OR staffing shortages, with premium rates that make overtime financially attractive.
Certification Impact
The NBSTSA CST certification is required or strongly preferred by most hospital and ASC hiring managers. Certified techs:
- Qualify for more job postings and command higher starting wages
- Are eligible for a certification pay differential at many facilities ($0.50-$2.00/hr)
- Are prioritized for specialty OR training opportunities that lead to higher pay
The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential represents the advanced pathway and opens roles paying $85,000-$120,000 at major surgical centers. See the CST vs CSFA comparison for full details on that progression.
Practice Questions
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What is the approximate national median annual salary for surgical technologists according to BLS data?
A) $38,000 B) $47,000 C) $57,800 D) $72,000
Answer: C. The BLS national median for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055) is approximately $57,800.
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Which surgical specialty typically offers the highest pay premium for experienced scrub technologists?
A) General surgery B) Ophthalmology C) Cardiovascular/open heart surgery D) Podiatric surgery
Answer: C. Cardiovascular surgery is among the most technically demanding scrub tech specialties and typically offers the highest specialty premium.
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A surgical tech earns a base rate of $28/hr and receives a $4.50/hr call-in premium when called back after hours. What is the minimum hourly rate when called in, assuming standard overtime rules do not apply?
A) $28.00 B) $32.50 C) $42.00 D) $56.00
Answer: B. Base rate + call-in premium = $28.00 + $4.50 = $32.50/hr (not counting overtime multiplier if applicable).