What does a surgical technologist do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Surgical technologists help with surgical operations by preparing operating rooms, sterilizing equipment and passing instruments to surgeons. A certificate or associate's degree is the usual path. BLS reports a median pay of $64,700 per year (May 2025) for surgical assistants and technologists.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 29-2055 |
| O*NET code | 29-2055.00, 29-9093.00 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Median annual wage | $64,700 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 5 percent (faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 142,800 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a surgical technologist do?
BLS says surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, ready patients, pass instruments during surgery, count supplies so no items are left in patients, and maintain sterile conditions. Surgical assistants directly help surgeons during procedures, for example by suctioning incision sites or suturing wounds.
Work environment
Most work in hospitals and spend much of the shift on their feet. Hospitals employ 71 percent of surgical technologists, physicians' offices 11 percent and outpatient care centers 10 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says surgical technologists typically need a certificate or associate's degree from an accredited program. Certification may help with jobs and some employers require it. Some states regulate these workers, so check your state.
Skills that matter
BLS lists communication, attention to detail, dexterity, integrity, listening skills, physical stamina and stress management as important qualities for this work.
How much does a surgical technologist make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,700 for surgical technologists (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of surgical technologists to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 8,600 openings are projected each year on average.
How to get hired
- Confirm whether employers in your area require certification and whether your state regulates the role.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Registered nurses, Licensed practical nurses, Medical assistants, Dental assistants, Physician assistants.
Frequently asked questions
What education do surgical technologists need? BLS says a certificate or associate's degree from an accredited program is typical for surgical assistants and technologists.
Is certification required? BLS says certification may help with jobs and some employers require it. Some states also regulate surgical technologists.
How much do surgical technologists make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $64,700 for surgical technologists (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is surgical technologist a good career? BLS projects 5 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (faster than average). About 8,600 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Registered Nurse Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Medical Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Dental Assistant Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical technologists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-2055.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2055.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 29-9093.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-9093.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.