Surgical tech salary
BLS occupation: Surgical Technologists · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $64,650 a year, US
Median hourly pay $31.08 an hour
Middle half earn $54,690–$79,750 25th to 75th percentile
Surgical techs employed 117,460 +5.0% projected by 2035
How much does a surgical tech make?
- The median surgical tech salary in the US is $64,650 a year ($31.08 an hour): half of the 117,460 surgical techs BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $68,710.
- The middle half earn between $54,690 and $79,750. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $45,940 and the top 10% more than $96,940.
- That is 27% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Hawaii pays surgical techs the most (median $82,640), followed by Oregon ($81,390) and California ($81,310). West Virginia pays the least ($49,110).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Minnesota, where the median is worth $81,332 in typical US prices, then Wisconsin and Oregon. Hawaii's higher pay is offset by its prices (110.0 vs a US average of 100).
- In 145 of the 275 metro areas with data, the median surgical tech salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of surgical techs to grow 5.0% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 7,100 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what surgical techs are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Surgical tech salary range
Half of surgical techs earn between $54,690 and $79,750 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $45,940
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $54,690
Median Yearly pay: $64,650
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $79,750
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $96,940
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $45,940 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $54,690 |
| Median | $64,650 |
| Top 25% earn over | $79,750 |
| Top 10% earn over | $96,940 |
Surgical tech salary by state
Hawaii pays surgical techs the most; West Virginia the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($64,650), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $82,640 median |
| Oregon | $81,390 median |
| California | $81,310 median |
| Massachusetts | $80,870 median |
| Alaska | $80,380 median |
| Minnesota | $80,210 median |
| Connecticut | $79,890 median |
| New York | $79,550 median |
| District of Columbia | $77,520 median |
| Washington | $77,270 median |
| New Jersey | $77,200 median |
| Colorado | $75,740 median |
| Nevada | $75,480 median |
| New Hampshire | $75,040 median |
| Rhode Island | $74,130 median |
| Wisconsin | $74,120 median |
| Idaho | $72,550 median |
| Arizona | $72,260 median |
| Maryland | $68,970 median |
| Virginia | $67,580 median |
| Texas | $65,220 median |
| Illinois | $64,650 median |
| Indiana | $64,240 median |
| Georgia | $64,010 median |
| Nebraska | $63,880 median |
| Michigan | $63,320 median |
| Maine | $62,860 median |
| Utah | $62,720 median |
| Pennsylvania | $62,680 median |
| Florida | $62,440 median |
| Ohio | $62,420 median |
| Delaware | $62,250 median |
| South Carolina | $62,160 median |
| North Dakota | $61,640 median |
| Oklahoma | $61,190 median |
| Missouri | $61,120 median |
| Montana | $60,970 median |
| North Carolina | $60,920 median |
| Vermont | $60,660 median |
| Kansas | $60,600 median |
| Iowa | $60,540 median |
| Tennessee | $60,530 median |
| Kentucky | $60,490 median |
| South Dakota | $59,870 median |
| Wyoming | $58,850 median |
| Arkansas | $57,400 median |
| Louisiana | $57,370 median |
| New Mexico | $51,780 median |
| Mississippi | $49,810 median |
| Alabama | $49,420 median |
| West Virginia | $49,110 median |
Where surgical tech pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Surgical techs' pay goes furthest in Minnesota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Minnesota | $81,332 |
| Wisconsin | $78,771 |
| Oregon | $78,743 |
| Alaska | $78,528 |
| Connecticut | $77,106 |
| Massachusetts | $76,468 |
| Idaho | $75,973 |
| Nevada | $75,496 |
| Hawaii | $75,161 |
| New York | $73,711 |
Surgical tech pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $82,640 | $39.73 | $39,370 | $94,010 | 290 | $75,161 |
| Oregon | $81,390 | $39.13 | $59,930 | $97,330 | 1,090 | $78,743 |
| California | $81,310 | $39.09 | $49,140 | $115,740 | 11,920 | $73,438 |
| Massachusetts | $80,870 | $38.88 | $60,350 | $109,550 | 2,220 | $76,468 |
| Alaska | $80,380 | $38.64 | $54,840 | $101,060 | 310 | $78,528 |
| Minnesota | $80,210 | $38.56 | $62,820 | $98,470 | 1,770 | $81,332 |
| Connecticut | $79,890 | $38.41 | $45,980 | $104,920 | 1,220 | $77,106 |
| New York | $79,550 | $38.25 | $53,680 | $105,330 | 6,540 | $73,711 |
| District of Columbia | $77,520 | $37.27 | $37,800 | $101,180 | 340 | $70,536 |
| Washington | $77,270 | $37.15 | $55,270 | $103,690 | 2,510 | $72,206 |
| New Jersey | $77,200 | $37.12 | $48,270 | $100,490 | 2,780 | $70,953 |
| Colorado | $75,740 | $36.41 | $51,040 | $92,580 | 2,100 | $73,497 |
| Nevada | $75,480 | $36.29 | $48,330 | $102,430 | 1,110 | $75,496 |
| New Hampshire | $75,040 | $36.08 | $56,760 | $87,560 | 370 | $72,040 |
| Rhode Island | $74,130 | $35.64 | $49,910 | $101,850 | 240 | $72,478 |
| Wisconsin | $74,120 | $35.63 | $59,410 | $86,670 | 2,180 | $78,771 |
| Idaho | $72,550 | $34.88 | $48,430 | $87,210 | 1,100 | $75,973 |
| Arizona | $72,260 | $34.74 | $50,030 | $96,840 | 2,410 | $71,774 |
| Maryland | $68,970 | $33.16 | $45,590 | $85,820 | 1,880 | $65,711 |
| Virginia | $67,580 | $32.49 | $47,980 | $102,020 | 1,910 | $66,842 |
| Texas | $65,220 | $31.36 | $39,950 | $92,580 | 10,160 | $67,198 |
| Illinois | $64,650 | $31.08 | $48,560 | $91,890 | 3,570 | $64,677 |
| Indiana | $64,240 | $30.88 | $51,350 | $80,600 | 2,680 | $68,832 |
| Georgia | $64,010 | $30.77 | $40,390 | $84,040 | 4,380 | $66,474 |
| Nebraska | $63,880 | $30.71 | $49,870 | $79,350 | 770 | $70,897 |
| Michigan | $63,320 | $30.44 | $43,690 | $79,550 | 3,840 | $65,810 |
| Maine | $62,860 | $30.22 | $48,330 | $80,380 | 470 | $64,771 |
| Utah | $62,720 | $30.15 | $45,760 | $87,430 | 1,170 | $63,441 |
| Pennsylvania | $62,680 | $30.13 | $47,130 | $77,760 | 4,490 | $64,240 |
| Florida | $62,440 | $30.02 | $41,270 | $85,620 | 9,120 | $60,379 |
| Ohio | $62,420 | $30.01 | $48,110 | $80,640 | 3,730 | $67,282 |
| Delaware | $62,250 | $29.93 | $48,150 | $79,310 | 340 | $62,370 |
| South Carolina | $62,160 | $29.88 | $38,830 | $75,210 | 2,680 | $66,305 |
| North Dakota | $61,640 | $29.63 | $50,440 | $72,120 | 370 | $69,290 |
| Oklahoma | $61,190 | $29.42 | $49,200 | $77,320 | 1,940 | $69,658 |
| Missouri | $61,120 | $29.38 | $44,930 | $78,410 | 2,100 | $67,300 |
| Montana | $60,970 | $29.31 | $37,690 | $79,330 | 490 | $64,420 |
| North Carolina | $60,920 | $29.29 | $45,990 | $78,650 | 4,400 | $64,585 |
| Vermont | $60,660 | $29.16 | $49,510 | $88,460 | 140 | $61,924 |
| Kansas | $60,600 | $29.13 | $44,720 | $76,880 | 1,200 | $67,282 |
| Iowa | $60,540 | $29.11 | $47,280 | $75,100 | 950 | $68,982 |
| Tennessee | $60,530 | $29.10 | $47,620 | $75,920 | 3,310 | $65,887 |
| Kentucky | $60,490 | $29.08 | $41,440 | $79,980 | 1,440 | $67,093 |
| South Dakota | $59,870 | $28.78 | $38,450 | $75,470 | 600 | $67,584 |
| Wyoming | $58,850 | $28.29 | $45,080 | $79,920 | 210 | $63,491 |
| Arkansas | $57,400 | $27.60 | $38,750 | $75,460 | 1,640 | $66,025 |
| Louisiana | $57,370 | $27.58 | $36,580 | $74,650 | 2,230 | $65,040 |
| New Mexico | $51,780 | $24.89 | $42,430 | $78,650 | 540 | $56,153 |
| Mississippi | $49,810 | $23.95 | $38,800 | $66,300 | 1,110 | $57,284 |
| Alabama | $49,420 | $23.76 | $36,490 | $64,360 | 2,480 | $55,639 |
| West Virginia | $49,110 | $23.61 | $38,010 | $72,010 | 580 | $54,873 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Surgical tech salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes surgical tech pay: 278 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- San Jose, CA $106,840
- Vallejo, CA $105,260
- Napa, CA $102,490
- Santa Cruz, CA $100,130
- Santa Rosa, CA $99,960
- San Francisco, CA $99,390
- Redding, CA $89,940
- Honolulu, HI $87,330
- Bridgeport, CT $86,790
- New York, NY $84,120
Where the pay goes furthest
- Vallejo, CA $97,033
- San Jose, CA $96,755
- Santa Rosa, CA $92,741
- Santa Cruz, CA $91,113
- Napa, CA $91,059
- Redding, CA $89,329
- Greenville, NC $86,898
- San Francisco, CA $85,968
- Rochester, MN $85,960
- Barnstable, MA $84,249
All 278 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $106,840 | 700 | $96,755 | 43% |
| Vallejo, CA | $105,260 | 100 | $97,033 | 28% |
| Napa, CA | $102,490 | 60 | $91,059 | 34% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $100,130 | 80 | $91,113 | 42% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $99,960 | 120 | $92,741 | 32% |
| San Francisco, CA | $99,390 | 1,440 | $85,968 | 42% |
| Redding, CA | $89,940 | 80 | $89,329 | 22% |
| Honolulu, HI | $87,330 | 230 | $78,703 | 41% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $86,790 | 250 | $81,215 | 40% |
| New York, NY | $84,120 | 6,320 | $74,731 | 51% |
| Hartford, CT | $83,580 | 380 | $81,346 | 29% |
| Barnstable, MA | $82,860 | 50 | $84,249 | 37% |
| Portland, OR | $82,430 | 650 | $78,191 | 26% |
| Stockton, CA | $82,300 | 170 | $78,315 | 35% |
| San Diego, CA | $82,260 | 1,110 | $73,521 | 43% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $82,000 | 1,080 | $78,228 | 25% |
| Boulder, CO | $81,600 | 130 | $77,565 | 32% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $81,580 | 3,440 | $71,835 | 43% |
| Boston, MA | $81,500 | 1,550 | $75,278 | 44% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $81,470 | 50 | $79,527 | 32% |
| Anchorage, AK | $80,880 | 210 | $76,722 | 28% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $80,730 | 100 | $74,340 | 42% |
| Oxnard, CA | $80,060 | 200 | $72,430 | 44% |
| Dallas, TX | $79,990 | 2,790 | $77,592 | 25% |
| Modesto, CA | $79,950 | 120 | $76,795 | 31% |
| Seattle, WA | $79,900 | 1,460 | $71,896 | 34% |
| Eugene, OR | $79,210 | 110 | $77,987 | 27% |
| Washington, DC | $78,750 | 1,430 | $72,325 | 37% |
| Waterbury, CT | $78,610 | 90 | $78,785 | – |
| Santa Maria, CA | $78,510 | 170 | $72,161 | 50% |
| Springfield, MA | $78,510 | 220 | $81,729 | 30% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $78,470 | 240 | $77,781 | 28% |
| Rochester, MN | $78,070 | 170 | $85,960 | 24% |
| Chico, CA | $78,050 | 90 | $77,127 | 24% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $78,050 | 1,790 | $75,545 | 26% |
| Salem, OR | $78,010 | 100 | $75,264 | 25% |
| Ithaca, NY | $77,760 | 30 | $75,264 | 31% |
| Greeley, CO | $77,750 | 50 | $77,613 | 26% |
| Worcester, MA | $77,610 | 210 | $75,700 | 33% |
| Riverside, CA | $77,490 | 1,190 | $72,800 | 39% |
| Buffalo, NY | $77,440 | 560 | $80,798 | 22% |
| Providence, RI | $77,270 | 380 | $75,924 | 34% |
| Denver, CO | $77,020 | 1,210 | $72,810 | 30% |
| Pueblo, CO | $76,940 | 80 | $83,847 | 21% |
| Norwich, CT | $76,830 | 70 | $76,490 | 33% |
| Greenville, NC | $76,820 | 100 | $86,898 | 23% |
| Medford, OR | $76,720 | 90 | $75,636 | 29% |
| Boise, ID | $76,650 | 460 | $77,903 | 30% |
| Bellingham, WA | $75,970 | 50 | $73,519 | 31% |
| Madison, WI | $75,930 | 330 | $78,047 | 28% |
| Reno, NV | $75,830 | 180 | $75,069 | 33% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $75,640 | 30 | $73,289 | 29% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $75,390 | 180 | $68,898 | 36% |
| Kennewick, WA | $75,000 | 110 | $74,941 | 27% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $74,900 | 70 | $80,715 | 18% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $74,830 | 610 | $77,194 | 25% |
| Janesville, WI | $74,360 | 60 | $79,357 | 21% |
| Manchester, NH | $74,330 | 120 | $70,350 | 35% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $74,200 | 860 | $74,041 | 28% |
| Austin, TX | $73,810 | 700 | $75,266 | 26% |
| Green Bay, WI | $73,120 | 240 | $78,551 | 18% |
| Salinas, CA | $72,780 | 120 | $66,745 | 46% |
| Duluth, MN | $72,360 | 110 | $81,516 | 22% |
| Spokane, WA | $72,030 | 260 | $71,782 | 25% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $71,890 | 50 | $77,360 | 21% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $71,790 | 240 | $71,286 | 29% |
| Houston, TX | $71,050 | 2,660 | $72,038 | 28% |
| Trenton, NJ | $70,610 | 150 | $68,434 | 43% |
| Bremerton, WA | $70,130 | 70 | $66,407 | 35% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $69,650 | 2,020 | $67,915 | 33% |
| Wausau, WI | $69,430 | 90 | $74,937 | 17% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $69,270 | 90 | $79,046 | 21% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $69,040 | 30 | $72,593 | 31% |
| Baltimore, MD | $68,970 | 1,090 | $66,008 | 34% |
| Bloomington, IL | $68,140 | 80 | $72,848 | 23% |
| St. George, UT | $68,080 | 70 | $69,954 | 33% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $67,920 | – | $67,162 | 35% |
| South Bend, IN | $67,660 | 170 | $72,864 | 22% |
| Atlanta, GA | $67,570 | 2,400 | $67,531 | 33% |
| Appleton, WI | $67,220 | 100 | $72,734 | 21% |
| Florence, SC | $67,080 | 260 | $77,304 | 27% |
| Chicago, IL | $66,360 | 2,530 | $64,057 | 39% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $66,270 | 130 | $69,876 | 23% |
| Longview, TX | $66,210 | 80 | $73,990 | 21% |
| Waco, TX | $66,020 | 90 | $71,334 | 26% |
| Sacramento, CA | $65,980 | 1,020 | $61,854 | 41% |
| Portland, ME | $65,910 | 200 | $64,708 | 42% |
| Detroit, MI | $65,810 | 1,670 | $65,614 | 28% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $65,780 | 200 | $65,630 | 42% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $65,690 | 470 | $65,125 | 30% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $65,660 | 100 | $71,387 | 27% |
| Bozeman, MT | $65,600 | 50 | $63,994 | 40% |
| Miami, FL | $65,520 | 2,200 | $57,396 | 49% |
| Asheville, NC | $65,450 | 160 | $67,820 | 31% |
| Ogden, UT | $65,440 | 220 | $65,212 | 30% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $65,410 | 80 | $68,509 | 32% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $65,370 | 420 | $66,744 | 35% |
| Lincoln, NE | $65,110 | 160 | $71,096 | 24% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $65,070 | 30 | $69,213 | 25% |
| Omaha, NE | $65,050 | 380 | $70,775 | 26% |
| Naples, FL | $64,910 | 110 | $62,897 | 48% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $64,790 | 70 | $73,795 | 18% |
| Yakima, WA | $64,740 | 90 | $67,759 | 25% |
| Dayton, OH | $64,640 | 290 | $69,735 | 25% |
| Tucson, AZ | $64,510 | 340 | $66,577 | 28% |
| Fresno, CA | $64,380 | 520 | $63,020 | 38% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $64,290 | 930 | $71,111 | 26% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $64,240 | 860 | $67,129 | 29% |
| Evansville, IN | $64,220 | 180 | $70,164 | 21% |
| Columbus, OH | $64,120 | 750 | $67,163 | 29% |
| Albany, NY | $64,070 | 280 | $64,349 | 32% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $64,070 | 850 | $64,402 | 31% |
| Missoula, MT | $64,030 | 70 | $66,390 | 30% |
| Savannah, GA | $63,990 | 270 | $67,212 | 33% |
| Athens, GA | $63,950 | 140 | $68,511 | 33% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $63,680 | 600 | $66,649 | 30% |
| Louisville, KY | $63,590 | 540 | $68,322 | 25% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $63,590 | 50 | $61,230 | 33% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $63,570 | 270 | $69,818 | 28% |
| Sebastian, FL | $63,530 | 80 | $64,623 | 40% |
| Charlotte, NC | $63,490 | 1,170 | $65,220 | 33% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $63,450 | 670 | $66,530 | 29% |
| Lansing, MI | $63,310 | 190 | $66,648 | 25% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $63,280 | 60 | $68,702 | 30% |
| Syracuse, NY | $63,270 | 310 | $66,084 | 31% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $63,250 | 160 | $63,981 | 39% |
| Traverse City, MI | $63,230 | 60 | $67,718 | 35% |
| Bloomington, IN | $63,200 | 80 | $66,468 | 33% |
| Lafayette, IN | $63,200 | 130 | $67,644 | 28% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $63,140 | 210 | $68,206 | 24% |
| Nashville, TN | $63,120 | 1,120 | $65,519 | 34% |
| Greenville, SC | $63,050 | 510 | $67,607 | 30% |
| Lubbock, TX | $63,030 | 190 | $69,023 | 25% |
| Victoria, TX | $63,000 | 40 | $70,125 | 22% |
| El Paso, TX | $62,980 | 250 | $70,046 | 29% |
| Michigan City, IN | $62,980 | 40 | $68,694 | 23% |
| Lewiston, ID | $62,940 | 30 | $69,043 | 28% |
| Helena, MT | $62,910 | 40 | $65,754 | 31% |
| Tampa, FL | $62,910 | 1,260 | $62,355 | 38% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $62,810 | 40 | $64,081 | 38% |
| Lancaster, PA | $62,680 | 240 | $63,792 | 30% |
| York, PA | $62,670 | 150 | $65,281 | 26% |
| Springfield, IL | $62,590 | 130 | $67,486 | 23% |
| Sherman, TX | $62,500 | 50 | $66,652 | 26% |
| Toledo, OH | $62,470 | 230 | $68,307 | 24% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $62,450 | 50 | $62,124 | 36% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $62,370 | 890 | $65,881 | 28% |
| Fargo, ND | $62,360 | 170 | $68,625 | 21% |
| Allentown, PA | $62,250 | 370 | $62,270 | 35% |
| Des Moines, IA | $62,250 | 230 | $67,884 | 25% |
| Kansas City, MO | $62,250 | 980 | $67,266 | 30% |
| Cleveland, OH | $62,130 | 750 | $66,150 | 28% |
| Rapid City, SD | $61,960 | 110 | $69,493 | 28% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $61,890 | 170 | $72,059 | 21% |
| Lexington, KY | $61,870 | 270 | $66,606 | 31% |
| Crestview, FL | $61,830 | 90 | $63,722 | 38% |
| McAllen, TX | $61,830 | 190 | $71,983 | 22% |
| St. Louis, MO | $61,790 | 810 | $64,982 | 28% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $61,780 | 350 | $60,362 | 35% |
| Abilene, TX | $61,740 | 60 | $68,324 | 39% |
| Rockford, IL | $61,740 | 160 | $66,997 | 25% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $61,730 | 330 | $62,575 | 29% |
| Orlando, FL | $61,730 | 1,490 | $60,867 | 37% |
| Bismarck, ND | $61,690 | 80 | $67,773 | 25% |
| Beaumont, TX | $61,650 | 120 | $68,465 | 25% |
| Roanoke, VA | $61,600 | 110 | $65,799 | 27% |
| Lima, OH | $61,520 | 70 | $68,608 | 24% |
| Raleigh, NC | $61,480 | 560 | $62,634 | 33% |
| Provo, UT | $61,420 | 250 | $62,525 | 35% |
| Visalia, CA | $61,270 | 110 | $61,377 | 34% |
| Columbia, SC | $61,230 | 440 | $65,373 | 31% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $61,190 | 50 | $70,607 | 22% |
| Memphis, TN | $61,150 | 630 | $66,338 | 27% |
| Springfield, MO | $61,120 | 320 | $68,996 | 25% |
| Hammond, LA | $61,090 | 60 | $72,330 | 26% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $61,080 | 290 | $66,862 | 31% |
| Flint, MI | $61,080 | 110 | $65,653 | 20% |
| Richmond, VA | $60,980 | 380 | $62,315 | 34% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $60,920 | 480 | $66,186 | 30% |
| Little Rock, AR | $60,910 | 640 | $68,159 | 24% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $60,900 | 380 | $66,584 | 30% |
| Wilmington, NC | $60,900 | 210 | $63,160 | 34% |
| Utica, NY | $60,860 | 60 | $65,668 | 28% |
| North Port, FL | $60,840 | 380 | $59,404 | 42% |
| New Haven, CT | $60,800 | 330 | $58,149 | 40% |
| Rochester, NY | $60,780 | 340 | $62,637 | 30% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $60,730 | 60 | $60,533 | 42% |
| Macon, GA | $60,690 | 130 | $68,555 | 24% |
| Burlington, VT | $60,660 | 90 | $60,090 | 51% |
| Bangor, ME | $60,620 | 110 | $62,813 | 30% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $60,620 | 50 | $64,422 | 30% |
| Durham, NC | $60,610 | 370 | $62,118 | 32% |
| Davenport, IA | $60,520 | 110 | $67,940 | 20% |
| Pensacola, FL | $60,520 | 220 | $61,934 | 34% |
| Dubuque, IA | $60,500 | 40 | $69,279 | 21% |
| Kingsport, TN | $60,500 | 110 | $69,985 | 26% |
| Erie, PA | $60,440 | 100 | $66,454 | 22% |
| Elkhart, IN | $60,360 | 60 | $66,825 | 23% |
| Augusta, GA | $60,300 | 250 | $65,613 | 29% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $60,230 | 470 | $66,347 | 27% |
| Canton, OH | $60,120 | 70 | $67,244 | 23% |
| Kenosha, WI | $60,090 | 50 | $59,426 | – |
| Akron, OH | $60,010 | 160 | $64,271 | 26% |
| Jackson, MS | $59,990 | 320 | $67,368 | 29% |
| Kankakee, IL | $59,940 | 40 | $62,182 | 27% |
| Albany, GA | $59,920 | 90 | $68,348 | 22% |
| Charleston, SC | $59,920 | 380 | $59,349 | 41% |
| Enid, OK | $59,920 | 50 | $71,106 | 22% |
| Waterloo, IA | $59,910 | 40 | $68,817 | 20% |
| Sioux City, IA | $59,670 | 90 | $69,019 | 26% |
| Tulsa, OK | $59,570 | 560 | $66,772 | 28% |
| Pocatello, ID | $59,550 | 40 | $66,981 | 22% |
| Lakeland, FL | $59,540 | 280 | $61,292 | 37% |
| Peoria, IL | $59,470 | 180 | $65,186 | 23% |
| Deltona, FL | $59,400 | 340 | $59,778 | 36% |
| Johnson City, TN | $59,180 | 120 | $67,305 | 30% |
| Lawton, OK | $59,110 | 70 | $68,780 | 23% |
| Slidell, LA | $59,100 | 170 | $63,736 | – |
| Jackson, TN | $59,090 | 70 | $69,093 | 28% |
| Greensboro, NC | $59,070 | 340 | $63,608 | 29% |
| Ocala, FL | $59,070 | 140 | $62,026 | 32% |
| Iowa City, IA | $58,930 | 120 | $64,398 | 36% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $58,850 | 60 | $68,548 | 28% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $58,770 | 60 | $65,170 | 25% |
| New Orleans, LA | $58,660 | 590 | $63,350 | 32% |
| Panama City, FL | $58,570 | 70 | $60,198 | 36% |
| Amarillo, TX | $58,440 | 110 | $63,646 | 27% |
| Salisbury, MD | $58,180 | 80 | $60,847 | 40% |
| Columbus, GA | $58,170 | 120 | $65,143 | 28% |
| College Station, TX | $58,110 | 140 | $63,892 | 31% |
| Youngstown, OH | $57,980 | 120 | $66,343 | 22% |
| Dalton, GA | $57,590 | 30 | $64,100 | 29% |
| Paducah, KY | $57,570 | 60 | $66,877 | 24% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $57,570 | 40 | $65,412 | 27% |
| Hickory, NC | $57,000 | 180 | $64,417 | 34% |
| Monroe, LA | $56,790 | 90 | $67,933 | 25% |
| Joplin, MO | $56,750 | 100 | $66,205 | 26% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $56,510 | 130 | $63,972 | 40% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $55,980 | 60 | $59,445 | 35% |
| Billings, MT | $54,920 | 140 | $58,722 | 30% |
| Knoxville, TN | $54,900 | 520 | $59,307 | 38% |
| Saginaw, MI | $54,470 | 90 | $59,929 | 23% |
| Wichita, KS | $53,950 | 300 | $60,655 | 27% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $53,850 | 310 | $59,417 | 28% |
| Lafayette, LA | $53,770 | 220 | $61,656 | 31% |
| Houma, LA | $52,780 | 80 | $62,019 | 30% |
| Clarksville, TN | $52,510 | 70 | $57,737 | 31% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $52,190 | 170 | $55,569 | 34% |
| Altoona, PA | $52,060 | 40 | $58,163 | 23% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $51,780 | 350 | $54,194 | 35% |
| Shreveport, LA | $51,770 | 230 | $61,074 | 30% |
| Huntsville, AL | $51,710 | 450 | $55,559 | 32% |
| Birmingham, AL | $51,520 | 700 | $56,218 | 33% |
| Casper, WY | $51,440 | 50 | $54,823 | 33% |
| Huntington, WV | $51,070 | 160 | $57,757 | 26% |
| Alexandria, LA | $50,960 | 100 | $59,473 | 24% |
| Rome, GA | $50,900 | 80 | $56,455 | 30% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $50,710 | 200 | $54,720 | 34% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $50,640 | 40 | $53,994 | 36% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $50,500 | 230 | $50,497 | 45% |
| Logan, UT | $50,290 | 50 | $52,425 | 34% |
| Gulfport, MS | $50,120 | 80 | $55,685 | 34% |
| Mobile, AL | $49,910 | 240 | $56,653 | 31% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $49,880 | 60 | $57,947 | 24% |
| Daphne, AL | $49,600 | 80 | $52,381 | 41% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $49,590 | 140 | $57,746 | 30% |
| Morgantown, WV | $49,390 | 150 | $52,924 | 33% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $49,190 | 80 | $56,075 | 41% |
| Montgomery, AL | $49,130 | 270 | $54,782 | 34% |
| Charleston, WV | $49,110 | 140 | $55,356 | 30% |
| Florence, AL | $49,060 | 70 | $57,842 | 26% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $48,790 | 310 | $52,103 | 42% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $48,610 | 210 | $55,470 | 32% |
| Dothan, AL | $47,100 | 140 | $56,183 | 31% |
| San Antonio, TX | $46,820 | 1,390 | $49,432 | 36% |
| Valdosta, GA | $46,410 | 40 | $52,577 | 34% |
| Decatur, AL | $46,060 | 50 | $52,814 | 28% |
| Anniston, AL | $42,720 | 50 | $49,704 | 27% |
What the median surgical tech salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $64,650 |
| Month | $5,388 |
| Every two weeks | $2,487 |
| Week | $1,243 |
| Hour | $31.08 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a surgical tech: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +5.0% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 7,100 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| Radiology tech | $80,110 | Associate's degree |
Questions about surgical tech pay
How much does a surgical tech make an hour?
The median is $31.08 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $22.09 and the top 10% over $46.61.
How much does a surgical tech make a month?
About $5,388 a month before taxes at the median salary of $64,650, or $2,487 every two weeks.
What state pays surgical techs the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $82,640. Oregon ($81,390), California ($81,310), Massachusetts ($80,870) and Alaska ($80,380) follow.
Where do surgical techs make the most after cost of living?
Minnesota: its median of $80,210 is worth $81,332 at typical US prices. Wisconsin, Oregon and Alaska come next.
How much do entry-level surgical techs make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of surgical techs earn under $45,940 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $54,690, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a surgical tech?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-2055 (Surgical Technologists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.