How Much Can a Surgical Tech Make?

A surgical technologist, also called a scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician, or operating room technician, is an allied health professional working as a member of the surgical team.

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Introduction

A surgical tech, or scrub tech, is a vital member of the operating room team. They are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is clean and sterile, and that the instruments and equipment are ready for use. They also assist the surgeon during the procedure, passing instruments and supplies as needed.

While most surgical techs work in hospitals, some may also work in outpatient surgery centers or in physician’s offices. Surgical techs typically work full time, and may be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays depending on their facility’s schedule.

So how much can a surgical tech make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for surgical technologists was $47,300 in 2017. However, salaries can range from $33,780 to $68,610 depending on experience, location, and other factors.

What is a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist, also called a scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician, or operating room technician, is an allied health professional working as a part of the team delivering surgical care. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other medical personnel. They prepare operating rooms for surgery and make sure that all of the necessary equipment is sterilized and ready for use. During surgery, they pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and first assistants.

Surgical technologists typically have an associate’s degree from an accredited program. Some states require certification for surgical technologists. Many employers also require certification.

What Does a Surgical Tech Do?

Surgical techs are allied health professionals who work closely with surgeons, nurses and other members of the surgical team. They prepare the operating room for surgery and sterilize equipment. During surgery, they assist surgeons by passing them instruments and other supplies. Surgical techs also care for patients before and after surgery.

Most surgical techs have completed a certificate or associate’s degree program in surgical technology. Some states require surgical techs to be licensed or certified.

The median annual salary for surgical techs was $45,160 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10 percent earned more than $65,140, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $30,700.

How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make?

A Surgical Tech can make a very good salary. The median pay for a surgical tech in 2017 was $47,300. This means that half of all surgical techs made more than this amount and half made less. The top 10% of surgical techs made more than $67,090 while the bottom 10% made less than $33,710.

Surgical Tech Salary by State

The average salary for a Surgical Technician is $48,300 per year. The highest paying state for Surgical Techs is Alaska, where the average annual salary is $61,610. The lowest paying state is Mississippi, where the average annual salary is $36,090.

Surgical Tech Salary by City

Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians or scrub techs, are vital members of the surgical team. They prepare operating rooms for surgery, transport patients to and from the operating room, and hand instruments and supplies to surgeons during surgery. Surgical technologists work in all types of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and doctor’s offices.

The salary for a surgical technologist can vary depending on experience, education, location, and other factors. The national average salary for a surgical technologist is $47,300 per year. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $67,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent make less than $33,000 per year.

Here is a breakdown of surgical technologist salaries by city:

Boston: $51,000

New York City: $56,000

Philadelphia: $50,000

Atlanta: $49,000

Chicago: $48,000

Houston: $46,000

Los Angeles: $54,000
REFERENCE: https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Surgical_Technologist/Salary

How to Become a Surgical Tech

A surgical tech, also called a surgical technologist, is an allied health professional who works alongside surgeons, nurses and other medical staff during surgical procedures. Surgical techs are an important part of the surgical team and play a vital role in ensuring that surgeries are performed safely and efficiently. If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, becoming a surgical tech is a great option. Let’s take a look at what it takes to become a surgical tech.

Surgical Tech Schools

Aspiring surgical techs can attend community colleges, technical schools, and hospital-based programs to earn their certification.

Most accredited surgical tech programs last about nine months and lead to a certificate or diploma. Some programs may last up to two years and offer an associate’s degree. A few four-year colleges also offer bachelor’s degrees in surgical technology, but these are not as common.

Community colleges and technical schools typically have the most affordable tuition rates, while hospital-based programs may offer perks like on-the-job training. No matter which type of program you choose, make sure it is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Surgical Tech Certification

Becoming a certified surgical technologist (ST) is the best way to start your surgical tech career. Although certification is not required in all states, most employers prefer candidates who are certified.

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) offers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. To be eligible to sit for the CST exam, you must have completed an accredited surgical technologist program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED.

You must also complete a criminal background check and submit proof of current CPR certification. The CST exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical ethics, infection control, patient care and surgery preparation.

The NBSTSA also offers the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential for surgical techs who have been working in the field for at least one year and have completed at least 4,000 hours of full-time work as a surgical technologist.

To maintain your CST or TS-C credential, you must earn 60 continuing education credits every four years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a surgical tech can make a good living. The median salary for a surgical tech is $46,000, and the top 10% earn more than $60,000. There are many factors that will affect how much a surgical tech makes, such as experience, education, location, and the type of employer. Surgical techs who work in hospitals tend to make slightly more than those who work in other settings.

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