Surgical Technology/Technologist
Program Availability
Schools Offering
374
504 total including inactive
States
42
Across 42 states
Graduates (2024)
5,917
Total completions
Surgical Technology/Technologist is offered as a associate and certificate program at schools across 42 states, making it a solid trade program. The most popular states are Texas, California and Georgia.
Career & Cost Overview
Median Salary
$105,620
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Job Growth
+17.3%
10-year projected growth
Median Tuition
$3,905
In-state annual rate
Graduates typically pursue careers as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. In-state tuition ranges from $576 to $29,760, and the work is primarily indoor with moderate physical demands — suited for hands-on learners who enjoy practical work.
Graduate Demographics
Gender Distribution
Degree Level Distribution
Is This Career Right for You?
Is This Career Right for You?
Interest Profile (Holland Codes)
hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; helping and working with people; organizing, systematizing, and working with data
What does this mean? ▼
This career is best suited for people who enjoy:
- Building things
- Working with hands
- Helping others
- Teaching
- Organization
- Data management
Ideal Candidate Profile
👤 Personality Traits
💡 Interests
⭐ Work Values
❓ Ask Yourself These Questions
Do you enjoy hands-on, practical work with tools and equipment; helping and working with people; organizing, systematizing, and working with data?
Do you value speaking?
Are you willing to develop the technical skills required for this field?
✓ This Career May Be Great For You If:
- • Hands-on learners who enjoy practical work
- • People-oriented individuals who enjoy helping others
- • Detail-oriented individuals who value organization
⚠ Consider These Challenges:
- • Those who prefer desk-based, theoretical work
- • Those who prefer working independently
- • Those who dislike repetitive tasks
Note: This assessment is based on typical requirements and characteristics for careers in this field. Individual experiences may vary. Consider your own interests, values, and goals when making career decisions.
Where Can You Study Surgical Technology/Technologist?
Click on any state to view schools offering this program.
Related Programs
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
Medical/Clinical Assistant
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
Dental Assisting/Assistant
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Massage Therapy/Therapeutic Massage
Phlebotomy Technician/Phlebotomist
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician
Showing 15 of 160 related programs in this field.
From the Blog
Surgical Technologist Career Opportunities: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Everything you need to know about becoming a surgical technologist — job outlook, salary data, education requirements, CST certification, and why hospitals are competing to hire OR techs.
Getting Patient-Care Experience Before You Apply: A Volunteering Guide for Healthcare-Bound Students
A practical guide for students headed into nursing, medical assisting, phlebotomy, and other caregiving careers: how to get real, hands-on patient experience before you enroll or apply — including hospice volunteering, where federal law actually requires hospices to recruit and train volunteers.
How Technology Is Changing Specific Trades in 2026
From 3D-printed homes to AI-powered diagnostics and robotic bricklayers, here's how real technology is reshaping what it means to work in the skilled trades right now.
Best Apps for Trade Pros 2026: Field Service & Code Tools
The best digital tools and apps for trade professionals in 2026 — field service platforms, code reference apps, AI tools, and apps to bid faster.