Last updated: August 6, 2020
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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 surgeon’s assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
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Job description
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 surgeon’s assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
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Salary
Surgical Technologists with little to no experience tend to make between $32870 and $38910 while the more experienced ones can earn over $58040 per year.
| Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $31 | $63,930 |
| CA | $29 | $60,940 |
| DC | $29 | $59,280 |
| NV | $28 | $59,040 |
| MN | $28 | $58,630 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Surgical Technologist is to move to a higher paying state like AK. Right now, the highest paying states for Surgical Technologists are AK, CA, DC, NV and MN.
However, a higher pay at AK doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at AK might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Surgical Technologist is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Surgical Technologists what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had an Associate’s Degree followed by a Post-Secondary Certificate.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
| Pathology/Pathologist Assistant |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist |
| Sterile Processing Technology/Technician |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Surgical Technologist.
| PROS |
|---|
| Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work |
| Suitable for people who values relationships between co-workers and customers and wants to work in a friendly non-competitive environment |
| This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors. |
| It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career. |
| Normal working hours (40 hours per week) |
| CONS |
|---|
| Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs |
| Salary is below average |
What is the job like
77% of Surgical Technologists said they were satisfied with their job and 83% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..
They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.
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Related career information
Surgical Technologists job description, Surgical Technologists salary, Surgical Technologists information, what is the job of a Surgical Technologist like, pros and cons about Surgical Technologists, colleges and universities for Surgical Technologists, is Surgical Technologists the right career for me, careers in Healthcare and Medical
Similar careers
Anesthesia Technician, Certified Surgical Tech/First Assistant, Certified Surgical Technician, Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), Operating Room Surgical Technician (OR St), Operating Room Technician (OR Tech), Operating Room Technologist (OR Tech), Scrub Technician, Surgeon’s Assistant, Surgery Technician (Surgery Tech)
