Thank you for visiting the Surgical Tech Salary and Career Center! Our mission is to provide you with many valuable resources to assist you in preparing for an exciting career as a surgical technologist. This profession can be one of the most challenging and rewarding in the health care industry.

The career outlook the surgical tech over the next decade looks outstanding and there has never been a better time to prepare for entry into the profession. Jobs for surgical techs are expected to expand much faster than average for all other professions, reaching an anticipated 25% growth rate over the next few years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a large percentage of our population ages over the next decade, the number of surgical procedures being performed in health care facilities throughout the country will reach unprecedented levels, leading to an ever-increasing number of employment opportunities for the surgical tech.

The career will experience job growth in many different health care environments as well, including hospitals, private practices, ambulatory centers, and outpatient treatment facilities. While the largest number of surgical techs will continue to find employment in hospital operating and delivery rooms, advanced medical specializations will lead to an increased demand for technologists in many other areas within the health care industry.

The surgical tech salary outlook is very positive as well. Along with the job growth we expect to see within the industry, median pay levels should continue to grow faster than average. Currently, the surgical tech salary varies widely by the state as well as the employment setting, however, the median earnings are right at $38,740 across all employers and locations. The surgical tech salary can increase dramatically if you choose the specialize in a certain area of patient treatment.

Again, if you’re considering a rewarding career as a surgical tech, now is a great time to get started on the path in this profession. With very attractive salary and employment prospects, you’ll have a great chance of creating a long-term career which will keep you fulfilled for years to come. We hope that you find this site a valuable resource to assist you in preparing for your own career as a surgical technologist.

A surgical tech is a highly trained professional who performs various surgery types on people. The length of training a surgical tech must undergo to become licensed typically lasts 1-2 years. This vital job is much needed in the Armed Forces. A surgical tech who works for the Armed Forces can be either a civilian or an actual member of the military.

A surgical technologist is trained to perform many different tasks. A very important task that surgical techs are trained to do is sterilizing medical equipment and tools before a procedure. A surgical tech will also help prepare a patient for surgery. The surgical technologist will often shave and clean the patient before the procedure. They may also be responsible to handling specimens, medications and assist with dressings.

The surgical technologist is sometimes a surgeon’s right hand man. They must be alert, quick and prepared for serious emergencies. It’s important that the surgical technologist understands the names of all instruments because it’s typically their job to hand the surgeon the necessary medical instruments for the procedure. The individual must all have high-tolerance for open surgeries.

This position is usually the first step towards more profitable careers for people who want to succeed in the health care field. The surgical assistant position would be the next advancement is this particular field. Some surgical techs remain surgical assistants for fifteen years or more. A large majority or surgical techs transfer to more advanced careers within a few years.

There are two different ways to work as a surgical technician in the military. A civilian can work as a surgical technician for the Armed Forces. There is also the option of joining the military and working as a surgical technician. There are a few differences between the two options.

The United States military has been hiring civilians to work for them since 1776. Working as a civilian surgical technician is one of many different civilian careers in the military. The Armed Forces offers exceptional insurance benefits to those who work for them. These benefits will cover the employee and the family. The military health insurance covers dental, vision and long-term care. The insurance company can’t deny anyone who is insured by them. That is the greatest benefit of military insurance health care plans.

The military also offers employed civilians the best life insurance plan in the United States. The reason it is the best life insurance is because it can neither age nor health can affect the plan.

Civilian employees are also given the option of a thrift savings plan. This plan is very similar to the 401(k) plan. The difference is that the federal government will match four of the first 5 percent.

A surgical technician who has joined the military has many of the same benefits as the civilian that works for the Armed Forces. The man difference is that the civilian has the right to quit their job whenever they want. If the civilian employee decides that they would like to start a difference career elsewhere, they can do so without any repercussions. If the surgical tech in the military wants to quit their job, they can’t quit until their term is up.

When someone joins the military, they swear an oath to defend their country and are become military property. The soldier will suffer very serious repercussions if they leave their military career. Soldiers who work as technical surgeons can also leave their families and work overseas. A civilian employee who works for the military may be asked to work overseas but they do not have to go if they don’t want to.

Working as a surgical technologist can be a great career whether you are a civilian or a soldier.

Do you dream of pairing your skills as a surgical tech with your desire to see the world? Are you curious about medical practices in other parts of the globe? Would you like to boost your resume with international medical experience while simultaneously helping a community in need? If you answered yes to these questions, volunteering abroad as a surgical tech is for you.

As a surgical tech, you already possess an interest in medicine and helping others. As a traveler, you are curious about other cultures and seeing different environments. Whether you are a recent graduate, an experienced surgical tech or a current student looking for academic credit, several programs are available to assist you.

To begin your search, make a list of the places you are interested in visiting. Do you desire to see the Great Wall of China? Is it your lifelong dream to go on a safari in Kenya? Does the thought of visiting Buddhist Temples in Thailand make your heart flutter? Have you always wanted to live on a ship at sea? In this phase of planning, dream big.

After you have completed this phase, write down other goals of your time abroad. For example, do you desire to work with children? Is there are certain type of medical problem or surgery you would like to gain experience with to advance your career at home?

What type of company would you like to work with? Do you prefer to work with a religious or secular organization? Are you an inexperienced traveler searching for a company that will offer support from stem to stern or are you an experienced traveler looking to volunteer as part of a longer trip?

Once you have your goals in mind, you are ready to begin your search. Here are a quick list of companies that may be a possible fit for your needs: Mercy Ships, GVI USA, Volunteer Crossing and Medical Missions. Mercy Ships is a Christian organization that utilizes hospital ships to create mobile healthcare for people regardless of gender, race or religion. GVI USA is a non-religious organization that runs volunteer projects all over the world. Volunteer Crossing and Medical Missions are job boards matching volunteers with open opportunities.

In addition to researching the opportunities available at the companies listed above, don’t hesitate to ask around your local community for connections. Your local university, alma mater, non-profit or religious organization may offer volunteer opportunities that will fulfill your goals as a volunteer and provide you with the chance to network locally.

What type of patient can you expect to work with? Most volunteer organizations serve communities in third world nations. Be prepared to work with people living in extreme poverty and hazardous living conditions. You will work in clinics, hospitals, and possibly homes. Depending on the company you work with, you may be able to choose whether you will work with children or adults. If you choose an international project for the needy, the work environment will most likely be very different from your experience here in the United States. Ask the company you are working with for detailed questions about the conditions and the hours you will be working.

Many companies offer sight seeing trips for their volunteers on their days off. Be sure to ask questions about their offerings and if there is an additional cost to participate. Also, be sure to ask the company what costs you are expected to cover and what costs they cover. Do you need a visa for the country you are visiting? Are you immunizations up to date?

Locations are available across the globe.

Are you currently a well-established surgical tech or are you someone who is aspiring to become one? It is well known that job prospects are excellent for surgical techs. As the baby boom generation will require extensive medical care and attention over the coming years, surgical technicians will be in even greater demand. This career path is recession-proof, which is an important factor given the economic challenges and uncertainties that the nation faces. Surgical technicians are responsible for preparing operating rooms prior to operations, sterilizing instruments, assisting the primary surgeon during operations, restocking the operating room following operations and transferring patients to the recovery room following operations. Whether you are a well-established surgical technician or an aspiring one, there are additional skills you can acquire either for career advancement or to make yourself a more attractive candidate for your first surgical tech job.

You may find it beneficial to complete some strength training in order to become a more impressive surgical tech job candidate. As a surgical technician, you will be required to move heavy objects at times. Prospective employers may very well be impressed if you routine complete some form of strength training. It may also be in your best interest to enroll in a communications course to improve your interactive skills. As a surgical technician, you will need to interact with patients to some level. You can also include completion of such a course within your resume to impress prospective employers. Critical thinking, memorization and sequencing skills are all very important in the field of surgical technology. As a result, you may want to consider taking logic courses or other challenging similar courses. It is important that your mind is sharp if you want to work in surgical technology.

If you are either a well-established surgical technician or an aspiring one, there are several important steps you can take to broaden your skill set, which will improve your career advancement opportunities or initial job prospects. You can complete a course in communications or logic as well as increase your strength training in order to develop some skills that are necessary on-the-job as a surgical technician.

As the nation faces significant economic challenges and an uncertain job market, it is important to pursue careers in robust fields that boast strong job prospects. A career option you may want to evaluate during these times is in the field of surgical technology. Job prospects are expected to be excellent for surgical technicians over the coming decade. As the aging members of the baby boom generation will require extensive medical care and attention over the coming years, quality and competent surgical technicians will be in high demand. As a surgical tech, you can expect to become an integral role before, during and after surgeries. You can expect to prep the OR prior to operations, sterilize surgical instruments, assist the primary surgeon during operations, restock the operating room after operations and transfer patients to the recovery room. If you are considering a career in surgical technology, you must surely be interested in understanding the top employers for surgical techs.

Let’s take a look at the top five industries in terms of employment for surgical technicians. The first is general medical and surgical hospitals with a total employment of roughly 64,000 and average annual salary of roughly $41,000. The next industry is offices of physicians with a total employment of roughly 11,000 and average annual salary of roughly $43,000. The third of these industries is outpatient care centers with a total employment of roughly 8,000 and average annual salary of $43,000. The fourth of these industries is offices of dentists with a total employment of roughly 4,000 and average annual salary of roughly $37,000. Finally, other specialties encompass roughly 1,000 surgical technicians with an average annual salary of roughly $47,000. As far as salary expectations are concerned, geography, work experience, education and training will all play important roles in determining your initial earning potential.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in surgical technology, you will surely want to understand the top employers for surgical techs. The top five industries include: General medical and surgical hospitals, offices of physicians, outpatient care centers, offices of dentists and other specialties.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in a highly rewarding and robust field in health care that boasts excellent job prospects? Do you have a flexible schedule that allows you to devote between roughly a year and two years to an accredited training program that offers a mix of classroom education and clinical training? You may seriously want to consider a career in surgical technology. As a surgical technician, you can expect to play an important role before, during and after operations. You can expect to sterilize instruments, prepare the operating room for procedures, assist the primary surgeon during operations, restock the operating room after procedures and transfer patients to the recovery room after procedures. If you are seriously interest in pursuing a career in surgical technology, there is no doubt that you will be interested in learning more about the starting surgical tech salary levels. In this article, we will be taking a brief look at what you can expect in this area.

As is the case with most professions, geography, education and work experience all play an important role in determining salary expectations in a field. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of surgical technologists was roughly 41,000 in May 2009. This increased to roughly $43,000 as of January 2011. As far as specific starting surgical tech salary levels are concerned, Georgia is on the lowest end of the spectrum with an average salary of $11.76 per hour and California is on the highest end of the spectrum with an average salary of $15.51 per hour. It is important to factor in cost of living considerations in the various locations you are considering to pursue your career in surgical technology. It is very possible to experience swift career advancement in the field which will increase your salary expectations. As you gain seniority or choose to work in a larger institution, your salary expectations will increase. Also, if you specialize in a specific area, such as open-heart surgery or neurosurgery, your salary expectations will rise.

If you are seriously interested in pursuing a career in surgical technology, there is no doubt that you will be interested in understanding starting salary levels. Starting salary levels really do depend on geography, work experience, education and training. In any scenario, you can expect to have the opportunity for rapid career advancement as you gain seniority, transition to a larger institution or specialize in a specific area.

Anyone who wants to make money in medicine but does not want to be in medical school for a long time can benefit from a surgical technician salary. Surgical technicians, also known as surgical technologists, are part of a medical operating team that consists of surgeons, doctors, nurses, and anesthesiologists. The tech arranges surgical equipment and ensures that all of the parts are functioning properly. Technicians also set out the sterile items for the operation. During surgery, they monitor the flow of fluids like blood, saline, and plasma, in addition to the patient’s vital signs. They hand the right instruments to the surgeon and learn to use different diagnostic equipment and sterilizers. After the surgery, they clean the room, restock the supplies, and sterilize the equipment.

According to the May 2010 reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists earn an average hourly wage of $20 per hour and an average hourly wage of $41,300 per year. The earned salaries varied by experience, employer, and location. The highest salaries earned in this profession are made in Nevada where workers made $50,700, followed by approximately $49,500 in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.

Surgical technician jobs are generally full-time positions that offer numerous benefits like health insurance, a 401(k), and paid vacation. The BLS expects that job expansion will be faster than usual due to the aging population that requires more medical care. These technicians may work nights and weekends in addition to rotational shifts and on-call schedules. A technician has to act fast while under pressure and remain behind when the patient is suffering from a life-threatening condition.

Surgical techs must finish schooling at a two-year college or vocational school in order to work. Even though a certification is optional, opportunities to become employed and to advance will increase significantly if the technician has finished the written exam. After techs become employed, they have to specialize in a specific type of surgery so they can earn a larger surgical technician salary. A few areas include neurosurgery, orthopedics, and plastic surgery.

Some medical professionals like surgical techs need certain skills in order to be successful. One skill that is commonly overlooked in a medical profession is communication skills. Surgical techs must know how to communicate well with a surgeon while he or she is trying to handle a sensitive, complex situation like surgery. Techs have to know exactly what various individuals are saying and ask the right questions. Techs should know how to be alert all the time because a wrong move or a misunderstanding could be dangerous. Techs should also possess strong math and science skills so they can administer dosages.

A surgical technician or technologist is a professional who is right next to the surgeon during an operation. Techs make a lucrative annual salary that can be as low as $32,000 a year and as high as $50,000 a year based on experience, employer, and location. It is a promising medical career that does not require a lot of medical schooling and has strong job growth. Many people interested in medicine can see a lot of benefit from a surgical technician salary.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average surgical technologist salary was $41,310 in May of 2010. Surgical technologists find jobs in a variety of medical settings. Some of these include specialty hospitals, outpatient care centers, general medical and surgical hospitals and offices of physicians and dentists.

Surgical Technologist Salary Specifics

Each setting reported its own average salary in 2010. Specialty hospitals had the highest paying average of $46,630 and offices of physicians came in second offering an average of $42,690. Outpatient care centers paid an average yearly wage of $42,480, whereas surgical technologists working in general medical and surgical hospitals earned an average of $40,780. Dental offices paid the lowest average yearly wage of $37,470.

The salary earned varies according to a number of factors. The local economy affects the average wages as does the experience and education of the surgical technologist. The level of responsibilities and the working hours of the surgical technologist are also determining factors regarding earnings.

Full benefits are usually provided that include paid vacation, medical, vision, life and dental insurance, sick leave and a retirement program. Tuition reimbursement and child care benefits are also provided by some employers.

Job Responsibilities

The main responsibility of surgical technologists is to assist surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesiologists and other surgical personnel during surgical operations. Surgical technologists are often the first ones in the operating room setting out surgical instruments, sterile solutions and sterile drapes. They make sure that all equipment is working properly prior to surgery.

Also before surgery, surgical technologists prepare the patient for surgery by washing, shaving and disinfecting the areas where incisions will take place. They then transport the patient to the operating room and get them in position for the surgery.

While the surgery is being performed, surgical technologists pass surgical instruments and other supplies to the surgeons and their assistants. They may also operate lights, sterilizers, suction machines and diagnostic equipment during the surgery.

Job Outlook

The profession is expected to grow by 25 percent between 2008 and 2018. This is a much higher rate than most occupations. This is largely because the number of required surgeries is constantly growing. As new procedures and surgeries continue to appear, the need for qualified surgical technologists will continue to increase. Because this job is high in demand and the surgical technologist salary is solid, pursuing a career in this field is a great option.

For anyone who is searching for surgical tech schools to begin a career as a surgical technologist, the prospect of having the opportunity to successfully prepare to join the field is a very exciting time. A career as a surgical tech can be very fulfilling, rewarding, and challenging work and setting out on the path to success in this vocation can provide the foundation for a great long-term position in the health care industry.

However, paying for an education can often stifle even the most motivated and detailed candidates. Finding ways of obtaining financial aid to finance your education can often be very necessary to move forward in preparing for your career as a surgical tech. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss a few helpful tips for finding financial aid for surgical tech schools. Please be aware that this article is not intended to provide financial counseling for your specific situation, which we are not qualified to do. You should always consult with qualified professionals when it comes to discussing your unique financial situation, such as a certified personal accountant or a financial aid professional from a school which you are thinking of attending.

Scholarship Opportunities

When seeking financial assistance for surgical tech schools, one of the best ways of finding funds which can relive you of financial burden down the road is through scholarships and grants. As you’re likely aware, these types of aid do not need to be repaid after graduation and as such, can help to decrease the cost of your education tremendously. They are typically awarded on two different factors: merit-based and need-based. Merit based scholarships and grants are offered to students who have achieved an extraordinary educational milestone based on their outstanding scholastic efforts. Need-based awards are granted due to a candidates financial status and their “need” for assistance in funding their education.

For those interested in attending surgical tech schools, one of the best place to begin finding scholarships and grants specifically for aspiring surgical technologists is the Association of Surgical Technologist. This agency is responsible for professionally certifying surgical techs and offers help in finding available funding opportunities for students who plan to attend a CAAHEP-accredited program in surgical technology. Visit the Scholarships page of their web site for more information.

Federal Loan Programs

The United States Department of Education, through a congressional act, has the power to provide low-interest loans to students as well. These loans are typically determined on the level of need which a student requires in order to pay for their education. If you are planning to attend an accredited surgical tech school, the university will very likely have their own highly qualified financial aid staff. These professionals are responsible for counseling students on the available types of financial aid as well as the process for applying for funds and what a typical repayment schedule might look like after graduation.

Once you have narrowed down the list of surgical tech schools you plan to apply to, be sure to make an appointment to meet with a member of the financial aid staff at the various programs you plan to submit applications to. They will be well-qualified to counsel you on the available federal loan options which can help you prepare to pay for your education. You can visit Surgical Tech Zone to find out more about how to find the best surgical tech schools in your area.

Salary negotiations after receiving a job offer can be a sensitive and delicate time, and in this article, we’ll discuss a few basic tactics for negotiating the surgical tech salary when you’ve been presented with a firm job offer.

Know What You Want

The main reason that most salary negotiations fails is due to a lack of concrete planning on the part of the job candidate. Most career coaches advise having a specific salary amount in mind if you plan to negotiate a salary offer slightly upward.

Do Your Homework

You also need to have a firm idea of what the median surgical tech salary is in your area for a comparable position and employment setting. By using sites like Salary.com, you can locate specific pay details for surgical techs in your state and city. With this data in hand, you can make a better presentation for your case based on what similar employers are paying in the area in which you live.

Be Reasonable

Don’t go to the negotiating table expecting to ask the employer to raise the salary offer by 25%. The chances are good that if they offered you a specific wage, they are only going to be able to deviate slightly from that amount. Shoot for a single digit percentage increase if you plan to ask for a higher base salary. Your reputation is on the line here and you don’t want to come across to a potential employer as money hungry with no interest in patient care.

Keep it Professional

When negotiating salary, you need to maintain professional and positive demeanor at all times. It’s never a good idea to let a prospective employer know that you plan to walk away from an offer if the salary changes for the better. You also want to stay away from inferring that you’ve received better, more attractive offers. If you do this, then the chances are good that the employer may call your bluff and recommend that you take the higher offer. Again, your reputation is at stake here and if you do take the offer, you don’t want to come into your first day of employment with a track record of being hard to work with even before you’ve taken the job.

If you plan to negotiate a surgical tech salary job offer, stick to these recommendations and you may walk away with more pay then you were originally offered.

If you’re interested in planning for a career as a surgical tech, it can be very helpful to get a pulse of the expected outlook for surgical tech jobs over the coming years. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the surgical tech jobs outlook for the next decade as well as the factors which may have an impact on the availability of open positions and the surgical tech salary.

Surgical Tech Jobs Outlook

As of the last complete U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, there were over 91,000 surgical tech jobs throughout the country. While over 70% of these jobs are located in hospital operating rooms and birth and delivery floors, a growing number of opportunities are developing in many other health care areas as well. The BLS expects an increase of approximately 25% in the number of available surgical tech jobs through the year 2018, which is a very rapid clip for expansion. This makes becoming a surgical technologist a very attractive career choice for anyone who is interested in finding a new profession in the health care industry.

Factors Which Impact the Number of Surgical Tech Jobs

There are two primary factors which will lead to a significant increase in the number of surgical tech jobs over the next decade. The first is the aging of the large segment of our population referred to as the “baby boomer” generation. With this large number of people reaching older ages, the demand for surgical procedures will grow significantly over the next few years to a level which the health care industry has not yet experienced.

The second major factor leading to the increase in employment opportunities for surgical technologists is the advancement of surgical procedure technology. Major advances in the way that lasers and other technologies are used to treat patients surgically are allowing surgeons to conduct procedures with a smaller number of support personnel and with less time required to complete them. This has led to an overall increase in the demand for surgical techs in the facilities that are using these advanced procedures.

If you are seriously considering a career as a surgical tech, the forecast has made this a very exciting time to gain entry into the profession.