Are you considering going into the medical field but aren't sure you want to devote the many years to schooling that's often required? Becoming a surgical technologist is a great way to get into healthcare and earn a good salary, all earning a bachelor's degree.
These professionals work in operating rooms and other medical settings, preparing the rooms and helping surgeons throughout surgeries. Keep reading to learn how much you can earn as a surgical technologist and how to become one.
How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make in the United States?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a surgical technologist is $49,710. The bottom 10% of professionals in the field earn less than $34,120, while the top 10% earn more than $73,110.
But how does this compare to other careers?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary across all occupations is just $41,620. However, surgical technologists, on average, earn less than all professions — $51,510 versus $56,310, respectively.
One of the benefits of becoming a surgical tech is the return on your investment on the path to becoming one. This job is a vocational career, meaning you don't need a bachelor's degree. Instead, you can become a surgical tech with just a certificate or associate degree.
Salary Changes Throughout the Career Path
While the average annual salary for surgical technologists is $51,510, the amount you'll earn also depends on where you are in your career. Once you get further into your career and start increasing your salary, you may eventually work your way up to the top 10th percentile, which is over $70,000 a year.
Your salary as a surgical technologist also depends on the setting in which you work, not just where in your career you are. Here are the average surgical tech salaries by industry:
[stat-grid][stat-grid-item label="Higher education settings" stat="$57,590"][stat-grid-item label="Outpatient care centers" stat="$53,690"][stat-grid-item label="Specialty Hospitals" stat="$54,900"][stat-grid-item label="Physicians' offices" stat="$51,330"][stat-grid-item label="Dentists' offices" stat="$48,080"][/stat-grid]