Surgical Technologists
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 TechnicianSurgical Technologist (Surgical Tech)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
| 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
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
MEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Database softwareElectronic medical record EMR softwareEmail softwareGoogle DriveGraphics softwareInternet browser softwareNursing documentation softwarePatient scheduling software
Tools & Equipment
Adjustable height instrument tablesAir driver drillsAnesthesia machinesArgon beam coagulatorsAutoclavesAutologous blood recovery systemsAutotransfusion systemsBlood/fluid warmers