Surgical Technician

Surgical Technician Job Description

Surgical technologists, also known as surgical or operating room technicians or scrubs, assist the medical staff with surgical operations. They work directly under the leadership of registered nurses, surgeons, and other surgical room workers. The operating room teams that they work with are generally made up of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses. Before a surgery is performed, the technologists will prepare the room by strategically placing any required surgical tools, equipment, sterile dressings, and liquids in their proper place. The technologist make sure that all equipment is working correctly, and prep the patient for the operation by sterilizing the area of their body where the incision will occur. This is done by removing any hair that may be present and thoroughly cleaning the area. Additionally, technologist are also responsible for checking the vital signs of the patient, reviewing their records, and assisting the nurse and doctor team with putting on their gloves before surgery.

Surgical Technician Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Surgical Technician is $37973 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $53480. The lowest salary reported was $26345. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Surgical Technician is $18.88 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $26.59. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $13.1. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Surgical Technician are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $0 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $1 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Surgical Technician. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $24,417 – $50,531
Florida – $25,083 – $54,612
Georgia – $28,500 – $43,900
New York – $28,161 – $76,933
North Carolina – $32,000 – $40,000
Pennsylvania – $30,252 – $39,060
Texas – $25,447 – $51,064

These are the highest paying cities for a Surgical Technician. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
Houston, Texas –
San Antonio, Texas –
Seattle, Washington –
New York, New York –
Raleigh, North Carolina –
Tallahassee, Florida –
Athens, Georgia –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Surgical Technician from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $37973 while in 2007 it was just $35215.5

How To Become a Surgical Technician

Education and Training
Community colleges, hospitals and vocational schools all offer formal training for surgical technician. To get accepted into any of these programs the student will need to have least earned a high school diploma or GED prior to admission. For students who enroll in programs that lead to an associate degree, diploma, or other certificate, should be prepared to commit anywhere between 9 and 24 months to successfully complete the program.

A combination of classroom study and clinical experience comprise the educational programs offered for this career field. Microbiology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, professional ethics, and medical terminology are considered the main areas of study during the program. In addition to these main areas of interest, students are also introduced to sterilizing techniques, patient care and safety, and surgical procedures. More practical skills, including infection control and prevention, drug and equipment handling, and how to sterilize instruments are also covered in the program.

Technicians that are certified have a far more competitive edge since many employers prefer candidates who are certified professionals. Once a technician receives certification, they’ll need to complete the re-certification process at least once every four years, by completing continuing education credits and additional examinations.

Job Outlook

Job growth for surgical technicians is expected to grow at a faster then average rate when compared to other professionals, making this career field a viable choice. The number of surgeries performed each years is also expected to increase as the general population gets older and requires further medical care, leading to even more jobs. In addition to medically related care, with the increase and popularity of cosmetic related procedures, the industry will boom. Advanced procedures, including those that utilize laser technology and fiber optics, will also continue to be developed and require technicians.

Hospitals are the largest employer for the field, however, growth in doctors’ offices and outpatient care centers is expected to expand.