Introduction
If you’re thinking about becoming a surgical technologist, one of the first questions you might have is: How much does a surgical tech make? The surgical tech salary can vary based on location, experience, and job type.
In this article, we’ll break down the surgical tech salary in different states, including surgical tech salary Texas, surgical tech salary Florida, and surgical tech salary NC. We’ll also look at travel surgical tech salary, which can be higher than regular pay.
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist (also called a surgical tech) works in operating rooms. They help surgeons during operations by preparing tools, keeping the area clean, and assisting the medical team.
Surgical techs play a big role in surgeries, making sure everything runs smoothly. Now, let’s talk about how much they earn.
Average Surgical Tech Salary in the U.S.
The surgical tech salary in the United States varies. According to recent reports:
- Average yearly salary: Around $55,000
- Hourly pay: About $26 per hour
However, this can change based on:
- Experience
- Location
- Type of facility (hospital, clinic, etc.)
- Special certifications
Next, let’s look at travel surgical tech salary, which is often higher.
Travel Surgical Tech Salary: How Much More Can You Make?
Many surgical techs choose to work as travel surgical techs. These professionals take short-term jobs in different locations, filling in where needed.
Travel surgical tech salary is usually higher because:
- They get housing allowances
- They may receive bonuses
- They often earn higher hourly wages
On average, a travel surgical tech salary can range from 70,000to70,000to90,000 per year, sometimes even more.
Surgical Tech Salary by State
Where you work affects your pay. Some states pay more than others. Below, we’ll look at surgical tech salary Texas, Florida, and North Carolina (NC).
1. Surgical Tech Salary Texas
Texas is a big state with many hospitals. The surgical tech salary Texas averages around:
- Yearly salary: 50,000−50,000−60,000
- Hourly pay: 24−24−29
Cities like Houston and Dallas may pay more than smaller towns.
2. Surgical Tech Salary Florida
Florida is another popular state for surgical techs. The surgical tech salary Florida is about:
- Yearly salary: 48,000−48,000−58,000
- Hourly pay: 23−23−28
Places like Miami and Orlando often have higher wages.
3. Surgical Tech Salary NC (North Carolina)
In North Carolina, the surgical tech salary NC is:
- Yearly salary: 47,000−47,000−57,000
- Hourly pay: 22−22−27
Bigger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh tend to offer better pay.
Factors That Affect Surgical Tech Salary
Why do some surgical techs make more than others? Here are key factors:
1. Experience Level
- Entry-level techs make less (around 40,000−40,000−45,000)
- Experienced techs earn more (up to $65,000+)
2. Location
As we saw, states like Texas and Florida pay differently. Big cities usually pay more.
3. Certifications
Having extra certifications (like CST – Certified Surgical Technologist) can boost your surgical tech salary.
4. Type of Employer
- Hospitals often pay more than private clinics
- Travel jobs (like travel surgical tech salary) pay higher
How to Increase Your Surgical Tech Salary
Want to earn more as a surgical tech? Here’s how:
- Get Certified – A CST certification can help you earn more.
- Gain Experience – The longer you work, the more you can make.
- Move to a Higher-Paying State – States like California and New York pay more.
- Consider Travel Jobs – A travel surgical tech salary is often much higher.
- Work in Specialized Areas – Some surgeries (like heart or brain) pay more.
FAQs About Surgical Tech Salary
1. What is the starting salary for a surgical tech?
Most new surgical techs earn 40,000−40,000−45,000 per year.
2. Do travel surgical techs make more money?
Yes! A travel surgical tech salary can be 70,000−70,000−90,000 or more.
3. Which state pays surgical techs the most?
States like California, Alaska, and Nevada pay the highest surgical tech salary.
4. How much does a surgical tech make in Texas?
The surgical tech salary Texas is around 50,000−50,000−60,000 per year.
5. What is the average surgical tech salary in Florida?
The surgical tech salary Florida is about 48,000−48,000−58,000 yearly.
6. How much do surgical techs make in NC?
The surgical tech salary NC is usually 47,000−47,000−57,000 per year.
Conclusion
A surgical tech salary can be a great income, especially if you work in high-paying states or as a travel surgical tech. The surgical tech salary Texas, Florida, and NC are good, but moving or getting certified can help you earn even more.
If you want a stable job in healthcare with good pay, becoming a surgical technologist is a smart choice. With experience and the right certifications, your surgical tech salary can grow over time.
