What does the new year have in store for you? Maybe you’ve been considering a career as a surgical tech and feel like 2020 is the year to dive into this role. If that’s the case, we have some information that will be very useful to you.
Duties
What does a surgical tech do? It’s important to note that surgical techs are essential members of the operating room team. They have specific duties before, during, and after surgery, and the role includes passing instruments to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. As you might imagine, no two days are the same, and the job is never dull.
There’s another aspect of this role that’s worth mentioning, and specific duties associated with the job can’t define it. A surgical tech career comes with a high level of satisfaction and higher meaning; you make a difference when you clock in to work each day. Everyone has good days and bad days, but even on the toughest days, surgical techs clock out, knowing they made a difference.
Salary
In 2019, surgical techs earned an average hourly rate of $20.59; on the low end, the hourly rate was $15.59 per hour, and on the high end, it was $28.80 per hour. If a surgical tech earned $20.59 per hour and will receive a three percent cost of living increase in 2020, the hourly rate would go up to $21.21 per hour.
Here’s another way to look at salaries in this field: the surgical tech salary for people entering the profession is more than twice the amount of the current federal minimum wage. Annually, you can expect to make $35,250 per year, which is enough to live comfortably in most parts of the United States. Individual salaries depend on the employer, the region, specific duties, and other variables.
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Growth
Looking at 2020 and beyond, the employment outlook is positive for surgical techs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will grow at 12 percent through 2026; this is faster than the average growth. That’s good news for people entering this field.
Again, growth may vary from one region to the next and from one facility to the next. However, it’s important to note that you can help yourself maximize your opportunity for growth in this field: job prospects should be best for surgical technologists who have completed an accredited education program and hold a certification. This will help you shortly in 2020, but it will also help you as you progress in the field.
Looking to 2020 and Beyond
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. What’s in store for you in 2020? Will you be looking for your next assignment in the new year? If so, we’ll be here to help; give us a call at 310.436.3650.