Are you considering a career as a surgical tech? If so, salary may be a factor in your decision-making process. You may also be wondering about the long-term stability of this career and the requirements to enter the field. We have answers for your questions.

Salary Range

Salaries can range in any profession, and surgical tech is no exception. In this particular profession, current salaries range from a low of $28,500 to a high of $72,500; however, most surgical tech salaries are between $43,500 and $58,500. Although the high of $72,500 is preferable, the typical salary range is excellent.

Salaries can vary widely, depending on several factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. Geographic location can play an important role, as well. Salaries may be relatively low in one region and relatively high in another.

Stable Career

A high salary may be a factor in deciding if this career is right for you, but even the highest salary won’t be enticing if the field offers very little in the way of stability and job security. There’s good news for surgical techs in that regard, too. The projected median income and demand for this occupation will grow faster than average, making it a stable career, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And that growth is expected to last for a while. The baby boomer population is expected to require more attention from healthcare professionals in the coming years, resulting in an uptick in surgical procedures. For people in this field or considering it, that uptick can make a difference in terms of job security.

Entering the Field

Many healthcare professions require many years of education, but that’s not the case with the field of surgical technology. Depending on the path chosen, whether you choose a certificate or an associate’s degree program in surgical technology, surgical tech programs can last anywhere from several months to two years. If you’re considering this field, that’s good news for you: it means you can get to work sooner.

After completing the educational requirements, it’s time to think about certification. You can obtain certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or the National Center for Competency Testing’s Tech in Surgery – Certified or TS-C. It’s important to note that continuing education is a key component of certification.

Is this the Career for You?

At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. We value surgical techs and their work. If this is the field for you, we’ll be here for you when you’re ready for your next assignment. Call us at 310.436.3650.