Surgical Technologist
Surgical Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical nurses, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, surgical team, and postoperative personnel.
What Surgical Technologists Do
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians and surgical nurses, to maintain, monitor, and enforce the sterile field and adherence to aseptic technique by preoperative, surgical team, and postoperative personnel.
Common Tasks
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 2Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions.
- 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
What You'll Learn
Types of Surgical Technologists
Work Environment
Locations
- • Hospitals and operating rooms
- • Outpatient surgery centers
- • Specialty clinics (orthopedics, ophthalmology, OB/GYN)
- • Labor and delivery units
- • Sterile processing departments
Schedule
Many work full-time with set shifts, but early starts, evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations are common depending on the facility and service line.
Physical Demands
The job involves long periods of standing, frequent walking, and constant hands-on handling of instruments and supplies. You may need stamina for long cases and comfort working in a fast-paced, high-precision sterile environment.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 430,500 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
An aging population and continued growth in surgical procedures can increase demand for operating room staff who maintain sterile technique and support surgeons. Expanded use of minimally invasive and robotic surgery can also raise the need for techs trained on specialized equipment.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Direct role in lifesaving procedures
- • Strong teamwork and clear responsibilities
- • Skills transfer across many surgical specialties
- • Good pay without a four-year degree in many pathways
- • High demand in hospitals and surgery centers
Cons
- • Long periods of standing and repetitive hand motions
- • High pressure to maintain sterile technique with zero mistakes
- • Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and surgical smoke
- • Irregular hours, call shifts, and missed holidays in some roles
- • Emotionally intense cases and fast-paced environments
Common Questions About the Surgical Technologist Trade
Ready to Get Started?
Not Sure This Trade is Right?
Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.
Take the Career Quiz