RNs earn more than surgical techs, with a mean of ​$75,330​ per year, or ​$36.22​ per hour, as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Similarly, Are there different types of surgical techs?

Subspecialties. Although many surgical technologists are generalists, others choose to specialize in specific types of surgeries, including obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurology, reconstructive, urology, and ear/nose/throat (ENT), among others.

Additionally, What is the next level after surgical tech? If you’re interested in moving up the surgical tech career ladder, you might advance to being a surgical assistant (which can happen after on-the-job training or additional education). Advancement to administration is another possibility, which includes managing surgical teams.

What specialty pays surgical techs the most?

In addition to specializing in particular fields, surgical techs can also add specific skills to their resumes. Some specialty fields, such as neuro, open heart, and vascular may result in higher salaries than other areas of specialization.

What can you become after a surgical tech?


What other jobs can a surgical tech do?

  • Registered nurse. A surgical tech who enjoys working directly with patients might consider a career as a registered nurse. …
  • Veterinary technician. …
  • Medical sales representative. …
  • Operating room assistant.

Do surgical techs make more than nurses?

In addition, RNs earn higher salaries on average than surgical techs. According to the BLS, registered nurses on average earned more than $71,000 per year in 2018, compared with $47,000 per year for surgical techs.

What jobs can a surgical tech do?


What other jobs can a surgical tech do?

  • Registered nurse. A surgical tech who enjoys working directly with patients might consider a career as a registered nurse. …
  • Veterinary technician. …
  • Medical sales representative. …
  • Operating room assistant.

Where do surgical techs make the most money?

Best-Paying States for Surgical Technologists

The states and districts that pay Surgical Technologists the highest mean salary are Alaska ($67,660), Nevada ($64,050), California ($62,510), District of Columbia ($60,740), and Minnesota ($60,090).

Can surgical techs become surgical assistants?

In order to become a surgical first assistant, a surgical technologist would need to have several years of experience in the operating room, meet the prerequisites and educational requirements to apply to and complete an accredited surgical first assistant program, and then pass the exam to become a certified surgical …

Is surgical tech better than nursing?

In addition, RNs earn higher salaries on average than surgical techs. According to the BLS, registered nurses on average earned more than $71,000 per year in 2018, compared with $47,000 per year for surgical techs.

Who makes more money RN or surgical tech?

In addition, RNs earn higher salaries on average than surgical techs. According to the BLS, registered nurses on average earned more than $71,000 per year in 2018, compared with $47,000 per year for surgical techs.

Is surgical tech in high demand?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2018 and 2028, employment opportunities for surgical technologists will grow at a faster-than-average rate of nine percent. This increased demand is expected to create nearly 10,000 new surgical tech positions over a ten-year timeframe.

Are surgical techs happy?

Surgical technologists are below average when it comes to happiness. … As it turns out, surgical technologists rate their career happiness 3.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 33% of careers.

How can a surgical tech become a surgical assistant?

In order to become a surgical first assistant, a surgical technologist would need to have several years of experience in the operating room, meet the prerequisites and educational requirements to apply to and complete an accredited surgical first assistant program, and then pass the exam to become a certified surgical …

What comes after surgical assistant?

Some surgical assistants step into the job after earning a surgical assistant degree from a certified program, while others begin as surgical technologists and receive additional training on the job to work their way up to a first assistant position.

Is surgical technician a good career?

Job security is one of the most attractive benefits of any career in the healthcare field, and surgical technology is no exception. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2018 and 2028, employment opportunities for surgical technologists will grow at a faster-than-average rate of nine percent.

Who makes more Surgical Tech or LPN?

Both surgical technicians and licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, are medical professionals who go through postsecondary training. … Overall, surgical techs earn a bit more than LPNs, and yet, their salaries differ by job titles and employers.

Do surgical technicians make good money?

Surgical Technologists made a median salary of $48,300 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $59,320 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $39,760.

What’s the next step after surgical tech?

Surgical technologists may choose to advance to other healthcare occupations, such as registered nurse. Advancement to other healthcare occupations would usually require additional education, training, and/or certifications or licenses.

What is the top pay for a surgical technologist?

Surgical Tech Salary

Annual Salary Monthly Pay
Top Earners
$75,000

$6,250
75th Percentile $63,500 $5,291
Average $54,458 $4,538
25th Percentile $44,000 $3,666

What state has the most surgical technician jobs?


States with the Most Surgical Tech Jobs

  • Texas.
  • California.
  • Florida.
  • New York.
  • Ohio.

How many years does it take to become a surgical assistant?

It may take at least five or six years to complete training and education to become a surgeon assistant. An associate degree program will take about two years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree program can take three to four years to complete.

How much does a surgical assistant make?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $400,000 and as low as $19,500, the majority of Surgeon Assistant salaries currently range between $33,000 (25th percentile) to $288,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $400,000 annually in Alberta.

Whats the difference between a surgical tech certificate and associate degree?

Certificate and diploma programs can take less than a year while an associate’s degree program takes less than two years. However, the best way for you to become a certified surgical technologist is by earning a certificate or degree through a program that is accredited.