Surgical Technologists
O*NET 29-2055.00 · SOC 29-2055
Surgical Technologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $65k a year with +5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 7,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Arrange sterile instruments and supplies on the surgical field
- →Pass instruments to surgeons during operative procedures
- →Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery
- →Prepare and drape patients for surgical procedures
- →Maintain sterile technique throughout the entire surgical procedure
Education & How to Get In
Most Surgical Technologist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Surgical Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Surgical Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Surgical Technologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Surgical Technologists is projected to grow 5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Surgical Technologist make?
The median Surgical Technologist earns $65k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Surgical Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Surgical Technologist at 31 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 34% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 7,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Surgical Technologist?
Most Surgical Technologist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Surgical Technologist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Surgical Technologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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