How Much Do Surgical Techs Make?

How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make?

Surgical technicians, also commonly referred to as operating room technicians, surgical techs, or scrub techs, assist surgeons before, during, and after a surgical procedure. The average surgical tech salary is $48,320 per year, as of the BLS’s most recent data from May 2021.

Surgical Tech Salary by State

Via ZipRecruiter 

Surgical Tech Salary by Years of Experience

Surgical techs have the ability to increase their hourly wage based on experience. According to Payscale.com, surgical technicians earn the following, 

• Less than 1 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $18.58
• 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly salary of $20.29
• 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $22.70
• 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $25.10
• 20+ years of experience earns an average hourly salary of $27

Surgical Technician Salary by Work Setting

Surgical technicians typically work in locations that have operating rooms or perform surgical procedures. The largest employer of surgical technologists is hospitals. According to the BLS, surgical technicians earn the following salaries in these most common locations:

• Outpatient care centers: $56,470
• Offices of physicians: $50,220
• Hospitals; state, local, and private: $48,310
• Offices of dentists: $48,070
• Administrative and support services: $37,850 

How to Make More Money as a Surgical Tech

If you’re interested in increasing your earnings potential as a surgical technician, you have several good options. These include 

Negotiation

This might be uncomfortable for some surgical technicians but is one of the most effective methods of getting an increase in pay. Surgical technicians with experience and increased levels of training will find an easier time negotiating for a higher salary. 

The key to an effective negotiation is to do your research. Ensure you know what other facilities in your area are paying for people with your qualifications. 

Overtime

Surgical technicians who work overtime are entitled to increased pay for their additional work hours. Generally, this is considered time and a half pay.  In most cases, this means working over 40 hours a week. 

The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that all "non-exempt" employees receive overtime pay equal to one-and-one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour over 40 hours worked during a work week. 

Per Diem or Contract Employment

Per diem and contract employees earn a higher wage than staff members. They are paid a premium for working less desirable shifts and having shifts canceled at any given time. 

Per diem employees are not offered guaranteed hours so remember that a paycheck most likely will not be consistent. 

Shift Differential

Surgical technicians may have an opportunity to earn more income without increasing the number of hours they work. A shift differential means making increased per-hour pay for working nights, weekends, or holidays.

Hazard Pay

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, hazard pay means “additional pay for performing a hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship.” It may also include work duty that causes “extreme physical discomfort and distress.” 

Is Becoming a Surgical Technician Worth it?

All surgical technicians are required to have either a certification or associate’s degree from an accredited program. Programs typically take 12 to 24 months and are offered at community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some major universities and hospitals. The program price can vary from as little as $500 upwards of $5,000. 

Regardless of where the program is completed, ensure that it is accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).  

In addition, most healthcare systems will require surgical technicians to have a BLS or CPR certification. 

Salaries of Related Nursing Careers vs Surgical Techs

Radiologic Technologists

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $61,370 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,850, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,880. 

Ultrasound Technologists

According to the BLS, the national average for ultrasound technicians was $75,380 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070.  

Cardiovascular Technician

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for cardiovascular technologists and technicians was $60,570 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,070. 

MRI Technician

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for MRI technologists was $77,360 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $100,870. 

Surgical Tech Salary FAQs 

• What is the highest-paid surgical tech?

  • According to the BLS, surgical technicians that work in outpatient care centers are the highest paid, earning an average annual salary of $56,470.

• Who makes more money, RNs or surgical techs?

  • RNs earn a higher salary than surgical technicians. According to the BLS, RNs earn an average annual salary of $77,600 per year compared to surgical technicians' salary of $56,470. 

• Is being a surgical technician worth it?

  • Yes, surgical technicians are in high demand. According to the BLS, overall employment for surgical technicians is expected to grow by 6%, faster than the average for all occupations. 

• What makes more surgical technicians or LPNs?

  • Surgical technicians earn a higher average annual salary. According to the BLS, LPNs earn $48,070 per year while surgical technicians earn $56,470.