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Average Salary & Job Outlook
Surgical Technologists Median wages (2009) $ 40,000 annually
U.S. Minimum Wage
$10,712 Annually
In 2009, median annual earnings of surgical technologists were
$40,000.
In doctor’s offices and surgical hospitals, median earnings
are $36,570 annually.
The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the
population grows and ages. Like many healthcare fields, the demand
for surgical techniciansis expected to grow much faster than
the average for all jobs over the next decade. Surgical Technician
positions are supposed to grow approximately 28% by 2012, that’s
an increase of over 20,000 jobs.
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What is a Surgical Technician?
Surgical technicians assist doctors and nurses during
surgical procedures. They primarily work for
hospitals, but may also work for physicians who perform
minor surgeries, or in outpatient care centers. If
you want to be part of the fast paced operating room
crew, becoming a Surgical Technician is the way to
go!
Surgical Technicians can get training from programs
offered by community colleges, vocational schools,
universities and hospitals. Programs can last anywhere
from 9 to 24 months and graduates are given certificates,
diplomas or associate’s degrees.
What do Surgical Technicians do?
Surgical Technicians perform most of the support
work for an operating room. They prepare the
room for surgery including stocking supplies and
tools and ensuring sanitary operating conditions. Surgical
Technicians also prepare the patient by washing and
shaving the proper areas and transporting and placing
the patient in the operating room.
During procedures Surgical Technicians:
- Pass instruments
and sterile supplies to surgeons
- Hold retractors
- Cut sutures
- Help count sponges, needles, supplies
and instrument
- Prepare and dispose of specimens
- Operate diagnostic
equipment
After the surgery, the technician may transport
the patient to recovery areas and be responsible
for operating room clean up and restocking.
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