Surgical Tech Salary Per Hour—also known as operating room technicians or scrub techs—are essential members of the healthcare team. They assist in surgeries, prepare operating rooms, and ensure everything runs smoothly during procedures. If you’re considering this career path, one of your biggest questions might be: How much is the surgical tech salary per hour in 2025?
This in-depth article will walk you through everything you need to know, including hourly wage ranges, factors that impact pay, salary by state, job outlook, and Surgical Tech Salary Per Hour how to boost your earning potential.
📌 Table of Contents
- What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
- Average Surgical Tech Salary Per Hour in 2025
- Surgical Tech Hourly Wage by State
- Factors That Influence Surgical Tech Salaries
- Entry-Level vs Experienced Surgical Tech Pay
- Surgical Tech Specializations and Pay Differences
- Union vs Non-Union Surgical Tech Wages
- Job Outlook for Surgical Technologists
- How to Increase Your Salary as a Surgical Tech
- Resources and Certifications
- Final Thoughts
1. What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
Surgical technologists play a critical role before, during, and after surgery. Their main duties include:
- Preparing operating rooms and surgical instruments
- Assisting surgeons during operations
- Ensuring a sterile environment
- Counting supplies and maintaining safety protocols
Surgical techs are usually employed in hospitals, outpatient centers, or physician offices. Their job requires attention to detail, quick thinking, and stamina, especially during long procedures.
2. Average Surgical Tech Salary Per Hour in 2025
As of 2025, the average surgical tech salary per hour in the United States is $27.40, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Here’s a breakdown:
- Bottom 10% earn: around $19.00/hour
- Median wage: approximately $27.40/hour
- Top 10% earn: upwards of $38.00/hour
The actual pay can vary based on many factors including location, certification, experience, and type of facility.
3. Surgical Tech Hourly Wage by State
State-by-state differences can significantly impact earnings. For example:
| State | Hourly Wage (Avg) |
| California | $33.50 |
| Alaska | $32.80 |
| Massachusetts | $32.00 |
| Texas | $26.00 |
| Florida | $24.10 |
| North Carolina | $23.50 |
California consistently ranks as one of the top-paying states for surgical techs, due to cost of living and union representation.
For a full and up-to-date map, check the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page
4. Factors That Influence Surgical Tech Salaries
Several variables can influence the hourly wage of a surgical tech:
- Location: Urban areas tend to pay more than rural ones.
- Experience: More years = higher pay.
- Certifications: Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) often earn more.
- Facility Type: Hospitals may pay differently than private surgical centers.
- Shifts: Night and weekend shifts can bring in shift differentials.
5. Entry-Level vs Experienced Surgical Tech Pay
Entry-Level Surgical Tech Pay
New grads or those with under 2 years of experience can expect around $20–$24/hour. While it might seem modest, the pay typically increases within the first 3 years.
Experienced Surgical Tech Pay
Techs with over 5 years of experience, especially those certified or working in high-demand areas, often earn between $30–$40/hour. Some specialized roles may exceed this.
6. Surgical Tech Specializations and Pay Differences
Some surgical technologists choose to specialize, which can significantly increase their pay:
- Cardiovascular surgical techs: $33–$40/hour
- Neurosurgery techs: $32–$38/hour
- Orthopedic techs: $30–$36/hour
- Labor and delivery techs: $28–$34/hour
Specialization usually requires additional training or certifications but can pay off in the long run.
7. Union vs Non-Union Surgical Tech Wages
Unionized surgical technologists may earn 10–20% more per hour than their non-union counterparts. They also often benefit from better job security, paid time off, and retirement packages.
States like California and New York tend to have higher rates of unionization in the healthcare sector.
8. Job Outlook for Surgical Technologists
According to the BLS job outlook, surgical technologist employment is expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than average.
This growth is driven by:
- An aging population needing more surgeries
- Technological advancements in surgery
- Increasing number of outpatient surgery centers
9. How to Increase Your Salary as a Surgical Tech
Want to make more per hour? Here’s how:
- Get certified (CST) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
- Pursue advanced training or additional roles (e.g., surgical first assistant)
- Relocate to higher-paying states or metro areas
- Negotiate shift differentials for weekends or nights
- Join professional organizations and stay updated on industry trends
10. Resources and Certifications
- Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)
- NBSTSA – for certification exams and prep
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Surgical Technologists
11. Final Thoughts
Surgical technologists are a vital part of the medical field, and their compensation reflects their value—especially as demand for surgical procedures continues to rise. While the average surgical tech salary per hour hovers around $27–30/hour, your pay can increase Surgical Tech Salary Per Hour significantly with experience, location, specialization, and credentials.
If you’re passionate about patient care, love fast-paced environments, and are seeking a stable, rewarding career, becoming a surgical tech might just be the path for you.
