Surgical Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Surgical Technology is a specialized health sciences program designed to train professionals who play a critical role in the operating room environment. Graduates are equipped to support surgical teams by ensuring strict adherence to sterile protocols and maintaining optimal conditions for patient safety and surgical success.
- Instrument and Equipment Sterilization and Handling: Mastery of techniques and procedures to properly sterilize surgical tools and equipment, ensuring they are safe for use and free from contamination.
- Surgical Supplies Management: Comprehensive understanding of inventory control, preparation, and organization of surgical materials to support seamless procedure execution.
- Wound Exposure and Closure Techniques: Training in assisting surgeons with exposing surgical sites and supporting the precise closure of incisions using appropriate methods and materials.
- Surgical Computer and Robotic System Operation: Proficiency in operating, monitoring, and maintaining advanced surgical technologies, including robotic-assisted systems and integrated digital platforms.
- Maintenance of Hemostasis: Knowledge of methods and tools used to control bleeding during surgery, contributing to patient stability and procedural efficiency.
- Scrubbing and Aseptic Technique: Expertise in preoperative and intraoperative scrubbing procedures for both patients and surgical team members to uphold sterile conditions throughout the procedure.
Surgical Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Surgical Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Surgical Technology degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 366,470 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Surgical Technologists 29-2055 | $62,830 | $43,290 - $90,700 | 113,890 | $30.21 |
| Surgical Assistants 29-9093 | $60,290 | $39,540 - $102,390 | 22,860 | $28.99 |
Salary Comparison
Surgical Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,090 in Oklahoma to $110,787 in District of Columbia—a 101% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Colorado, and Arkansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 366,470 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Surgical Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Surgical Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Surgical Technology is found at Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting (520 graduates), Madisonville Community College (MCC) (130 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (106 graduates), Texas State Technical College (TSTC) (90 graduates), and American Career College (ACC), Los Angeles (89 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3,978 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Surgical Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Surgical Technology degree?
Salaries for Surgical Technology graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually, while Surgical Technologists earn around $62,830. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $110,787 compared to $55,090 in Oklahoma. Approximately 366,470 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Surgical Technology programs?
Currently 449 accredited institutions offer Surgical Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting (520 graduates), Madisonville Community College (MCC) (130 graduates), and Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (106 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Surgical Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 10,125 in 2010 to 7,626 in 2023-24. This represents a 25% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Surgical Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, Surgical Technologists, and Surgical Assistants. Related occupations employ approximately 366,470 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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