How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make in Colorado?

How much does a surgical tech make in Colorado? According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a surgical tech in Colorado is $60,530 per year.

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Introduction

Colorado offers some of the highest salaries for surgical techs in the nation, with an average annual salary of $60,610. This is significantly higher than the national average salary for surgical techs, which is $47,300 per year. Colorado also has a large number of job openings for surgical techs, with an estimated 1,040 positions available each year.

What is a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist, also called a surgical tech or scrub tech, is an integral member of the operating room (OR) team. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses or licensed practical nurses to ensure that the operating room is ready for surgery and that patients are properly prepared.

Surgical technologists typically have an associate’s degree from an accredited program, although some may have a certificate or diploma. Most states do not require certification for surgical technologists, but many employers prefer or require it. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential is the most common certification.

In Colorado, surgical techs earned a mean annual wage of $53,950 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is slightly higher than the national average for surgical technologists of $52,0390.

What are the Responsibilities of a Surgical Tech?

A surgical technologist, sometimes called a scrub tech, is an allied health professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses in the operating room (OR). Surgical technologists are a critical part of the OR team; they handle the instruments and supplies that surgeons need during an operation and make sure that the sterile surgical field is maintained throughout the procedure.

In order to become a surgical technologist, one must complete an accredited surgical technology program. After completing a surgical tech program, one must pass the Certification in Surgical Technology (CST) exam administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Once certified, a surgical technologist must maintain his or her credential by renewing it every four years.

The median annual salary for a surgical technologist in Colorado is $47,630, which is slightly higher than the national median salary of $46,310. However, salaries for surgical technologists can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of employer. For instance, according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the top 10% of earners in this profession make over $64,000 per year while the bottom 10% earn less than $33,000 per year.

What is the Salary of a Surgical Tech in Colorado?

The average salary for a Surgical Tech in Colorado is $25.59 per hour. Surgical Techs in Colorado make a mean wage of $53,290 per year. The median wage is $51,780, meaning that half of all Surgical Techs in Colorado earn less than this amount and half earn more.

How Do I Become a Surgical Tech in Colorado?

The first step to becoming a surgical tech in Colorado is to complete an accredited surgical technology program. There are many programs available online and in-person, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs and schedule. Once you have completed your program, you will need to pass the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certification Exam before you can begin working in the state.

What are the Certification Requirements for a Surgical Tech in Colorado?

To work as a surgical tech in Colorado, you must earn certification from either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the American Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ABSTRA). You must also pass a state-recognized exam, such as the Certification Examination for Sterile Processing and Distribution Technicians (CSPDT) or the Certification Examination for Healthcare Central Service Technicians (CHCST).

What are the Job Opportunities for a Surgical Tech in Colorado?

The job outlook for a surgical technologist in Colorado is excellent. The state is projected to see a 23% increase in the number of jobs for surgical technologists between 2016 and 2026, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. This growth is due in part to the state’s aging population, which will require more medical procedures. The median salary for a surgical technologist in Colorado was $47,630 in 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Conclusion

Surgical techs in Colorado make an average of $25.10 per hour, or $52,290 per year. The top 10% of surgical techs make more than $32.56 per hour, or $67,740 per year, while the bottom 10% of surgical techs make less than $17.96 per hour, or $37,430 per year.