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.
SOC: 29-2055.00
Common Job Titles
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Operating Room Technician (OR Tech)
Surgical Technician
Surgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onPerform surgical instrument passing and handling procedures during operations under supervision of surgeons and surgical teams, maintaining sterile technique.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate sterile field integrity and surgical equipment readiness in the operating room, following compliance standards and protocols.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply knowledge of surgical anatomy and procedural steps to anticipate surgeon needs and maintain operative flow across diverse surgical specialties.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with surgical team coordination when assisting and caring for surgical patients in high-stress operating environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess surgical instrument functionality and sterilization adequacy when inspecting equipment and materials prior to and during procedures.
Proficient
Hands-onDemonstrate mastery positioning and draping techniques for surgical patients using specialized positioning equipment and maintaining patient safety standards.
Proficient
KnowledgeOrganize surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment setup for diverse operative cases, prioritizing workflow efficiency and sterile technique.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate electrosurgical units, suction machines, and surgical lasers during surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and equipment functionality.
Developing
Hands-onExecute surgical counts of sponges, needles, and instruments collaboratively with registered nurses, adhering to established safety protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeExplain surgical procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols when training new surgical technologists and supporting interdisciplinary team education.
Developing
MindsetRespond to dynamic surgical conditions and team communications by actively listening and adjusting actions under time-critical pressure.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate robotic surgical systems and advanced endoscopic equipment in minimally invasive procedures, following surgeon directives and technological specifications.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Surgical Technologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
113,890
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $43,290. 25th percentile: U.S. $51,740. 50th percentile: U.S. $62,830. 75th percentile: U.S. $77,140. 90th percentile: U.S. $90,700. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$43,290
10% of workers earn the following or more
$90,700
Workers on average earn
$65,810
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.7/5
English Language3.5/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
