If you’re considering a career as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), understanding the potential salary you can earn is essential. We’ll break down the average salaries for CSTs across the United States, and explore the factors that influence these salaries.
Average Certified Surgical Technologist Salary in 2024
The national average salary for a Certified Surgical Technologist is approximately $54,000 per year. However, salaries can vary significantly based on geographical location, experience, and work environment.
Salaries by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 Years) | $40,000 – $45,000 |
| Mid-Level (3-5 Years) | $50,000 – $55,000 |
| Experienced (5+ Years) | $60,000 – $65,000 |
| Specialized CSTs | $65,000 – $70,000+ |
Certified Surgical Technologist Salaries by State
Here’s a breakdown of CST salaries by state, highlighting the highest and lowest paying regions:
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $74,050 | $35.60 |
| Texas | $54,300 | $26.11 |
| Florida | $49,710 | $23.90 |
| New York | $61,850 | $29.74 |
| Illinois | $52,850 | $25.41 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,100 | $23.61 |
| Ohio | $50,150 | $24.11 |
| North Carolina | $48,510 | $23.32 |
| Georgia | $50,330 | $24.20 |
| Michigan | $51,410 | $24.71 |
| Alabama | $42,960 | $20.65 |
| Alaska | $63,570 | $30.56 |
| Oregon | $62,040 | $29.83 |
| Washington | $64,420 | $30.97 |
| Nevada | $61,570 | $29.60 |
Infographics: CST Salary Insights
- Top Paying States: California, Washington, and Nevada lead in CST salaries.
- Lowest Paying States: Alabama and Mississippi offer the lowest average salaries for CSTs.
- Growth Opportunities: States like Texas and Florida, with growing healthcare needs, offer good salary prospects for mid-career CSTs.
10 Popular States for Surgical Techs
If you’re considering where to start or advance your career as a Certified Surgical Technologist, certain states stand out for their employment opportunities, salary potential, and job growth. Here are 10 popular states for surgical techs based on salary, job openings, and overall demand:
- California
- Average Salary: $74,050
- Job Outlook: California is the top-paying state for CSTs, offering numerous job opportunities in large hospitals and surgical centers, especially in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
- Texas
- Average Salary: $54,300
- Job Outlook: Texas has a strong healthcare industry with many opportunities in cities like Houston and Dallas. The state’s growing population continues to drive demand for surgical techs.
- Florida
- Average Salary: $49,710
- Job Outlook: With its large retiree population, Florida has a steady demand for healthcare services, including surgical procedures, making it a good state for CST employment.
- New York
- Average Salary: $61,850
- Job Outlook: New York offers high salaries and a variety of job opportunities in both urban and suburban settings. New York City, in particular, has a high demand for skilled surgical technologists.
- Washington
- Average Salary: $64,420
- Job Outlook: Washington state, particularly the Seattle area, offers excellent salaries and benefits for CSTs. The demand is expected to grow as the state’s healthcare infrastructure expands.
- North Carolina
- Average Salary: $48,510
- Job Outlook: North Carolina is known for its strong healthcare sector, particularly in cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. The state offers a good balance of cost of living and salary potential.
- Ohio
- Average Salary: $50,150
- Job Outlook: Ohio has a steady demand for surgical techs, particularly in major cities like Cleveland and Columbus. The state’s diverse healthcare system provides various employment opportunities.
- Michigan
- Average Salary: $51,410
- Job Outlook: Michigan’s growing healthcare industry offers numerous opportunities for CSTs, especially in Detroit and Grand Rapids. The state is also known for its competitive salaries in the Midwest.
- Oregon
- Average Salary: $62,040
- Job Outlook: Oregon, with its high average salary for CSTs, is an attractive state for those seeking employment in healthcare. Portland, in particular, offers a vibrant job market for surgical technologists.
- Nevada
- Average Salary: $61,570
- Job Outlook: Nevada offers high salaries and growing job opportunities for CSTs, particularly in Las Vegas. The state’s expanding healthcare facilities continue to drive demand for qualified professionals.
Factors Influencing CST Salaries
- Geographical Location:
- Salaries vary widely depending on the state. For example, California offers the highest average annual salary for CSTs at $74,050, while Alabama has one of the lowest at $42,960.
- Experience and Specialization:
- Entry-level CSTs can expect to start at around $40,000 per year, but with experience and additional certifications, salaries can exceed $70,000.
- Work Environment:
- CSTs working in hospitals, particularly in metropolitan areas, typically earn more than those in outpatient care centers.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential with Medical Hero
At Medical Hero, we understand that passing the CST exam is the first step toward a rewarding career with a competitive salary. Our study package is designed to help you achieve certification with confidence, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to enter the workforce and start earning at the higher end of the salary spectrum.
- Comprehensive Study Materials: Our package includes detailed content, practice exams, and a study guide tailored to the CST exam.
- Expert Guidance: Learn from professionals who have successfully navigated the CST certification process and know what it takes to pass.
- Proven Success: Our students have a high pass rate, and many report receiving job offers shortly after certification.
The Future of CST Salaries
The demand for Certified Surgical Technologists is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by an aging population and advancements in surgical procedures. This demand will likely lead to increased salaries and more job opportunities, making now an excellent time to pursue a career as a CST.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a high-paying career as a CST, explore our study packages today and start your journey with confidence.
