Surgical Technology/Technologist

CIP 51.0909 Associate Certificate

Program Availability

Schools Offering

375

504 total including inactive

States

Across 42 states

Graduates (2024)

6,023

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 California, Texas and Illinois.

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

Male: 854 (14.2%)

Female: 5,169 (85.8%)

Degree Level Distribution

Associate: 4,023 (66.8%)

Certificate: 2,000 (33.2%)

Is This Career Right for You?

Interest Profile (Holland Codes)

Realistic

Social

Conventional

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

✓ Practical

✓ Hands-on

✓ Empathetic

✓ Patient

✓ Organized

✓ Detail-oriented

💡 Interests

● Building things

● Working with hands

● Helping others

● Teaching

● Organization

● Data management

⭐ Work Values

♦ Speaking

♦ Instructing

♦ Active Listening

♦ Monitoring

♦ Helping others

♦ Independence

❓ 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.