Surgical Technician / Technologist
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
At a Glance
Surgical Technician / Technologist earns an average of $47,923/yr. Typical education: High school or GED. Experience: 1.7–2.1 years. Top skills: Operating Room (OR), Surgery, Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
$47,923/yr
High school or GED
1.7–2.1 years
42
Parent Occupation (O*NET)
Surgical Technologists
Median Wage
$62,830/yr
Growth (2024-34)
+4.5%
Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Skills & Requirements
Specialized Skills (20)
Operating Room (OR)
Surgery
Surgical Procedures
Surgical Technology
Surgical Instruments
Asepsis
Sterilization
Nursing
Marketing
Surgical Suturing
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Sterile Techniques And Procedures
Surgical Services
Sterile Solutions
Clinical Experience
Perioperative Care
Aseptic Processing
Perioperative Nursing
Neurosurgery
Fine Motor Skills
Common Skills (5)
Certifications (5)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Basic Cardiac Life Support
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Related Specializations
Other specialized occupations in this field. Many share overlapping skills, making lateral moves more accessible.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
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