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If you’re considering a career as a surgical technologist, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a look at the average hourly wage for surgical techs in the United States.
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Introduction
A surgical technologist is an integral member of the surgical team. The main responsibility of a surgical tech is to sterilize and set up the operating room before surgery, as well as to maintain sterile conditions during the surgery. Surgical techs also transport patients to and from the operating room, and may assist in applying dressings and wound care after surgery.
The median hourly wage for a surgical technologist was $19.14 in May 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of all surgical technologists earned more than this amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $13.03, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.74.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technologist, also called a scrub, scrub tech, surgical technician or operating room technician, is an allied health professional working as a part of the team delivering surgical care. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the operating room environment is safe and that instruments and supplies are sterile and ready for use by the surgeon.
In addition to their scrubbing duties, surgical technologists may also be responsible for maintaining equipment, stocking supplies and assisting surgeons during procedures. They may also be required to transport patients to and from the operating room and provide postoperative care.
How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make?
A surgical tech, also called a surgical technician or surgical technologist, is an allied health professional who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and registered nurses to ensure that surgeries are performed safely and effectively. Surgical techs typically have an associate degree or certification from an accredited surgical technology program. Most surgical techs work in hospitals, but some may also work in outpatient surgery centers or other healthcare facilities.
National Average
The national average salary for a Surgical Technologist is $24.93 per hour in the United States.
Top 10%
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report salary data specifically for surgical techs, it does provide information for related occupations. The median annual wage for all medical and health services managers was $100,980 in May 2019, which equates to an hourly wage of $48.62. The top 10% of earners in this field made more than $187,199 per year, or $89.78 per hour.
In comparison, the median annual wage for all medical and health services managers was $100,980 in May 2019, which equates to an hourly wage of $48.62. The top 10% of earners in this field made more than $187,199 per year, or $89.78 per hour.
The top-paying industries for medical and health services managers as a whole were as follows:
-Offices of physicians: $144,850
-Outpatient care centers: $106,090
-Hospitals; state, local, and private: $102,530
-Management of companies and enterprises: $101,580
-Nursing and residential care facilities: $94,840
Bottom 10%
The hours that a surgical tech works can vary, with most full-time jobs ranging from 37 to 40 hours a week. Some surgical techs may work fewer hours if they are employed by smaller facilities or if they only work part-time. The majority of surgical techs are employed in hospitals, but some may find work in ambulatory care centers, physician’s offices or other outpatient facilities. As with most careers in the medical field, the earnings of a surgical tech are directly related to their place of employment and their level of experience.
The bottom 10% of surgical techs earn an hourly wage of $13.21 or less. These techs generally work in smaller facilities or have less experience than those who earn a higher wage. The next 10% earn $14.67 per hour, while the middle 50% of surgical techs make between $18.21 and $22.67 per hour. The top 10% of earners make $27.21 or more per hour, with the highest earners making more than $35.00 per hour
How Does Location Affect a Surgical Tech’s Salary?
There are many factors that can affect a surgical technologist’s salary, including location. Generally, surgical techs in large metropolitan areas will earn more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. In addition, cost of living can also play a role in how much a surgical tech makes per hour. For example, a surgical technologist in New York City may earn more per hour than one in Omaha, Nebraska, but the New Yorker will also have a higher cost of living.
What Are the Job Prospects for a Surgical Tech?
The job outlook for surgical techs is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of surgical techs is expected to grow much faster than average, by 12% from 2016 to 2026. This growth is due in large part to the aging baby-boom population, who will require more and more medical procedures as they age.
Conclusion
From the data gathered, it appears that the average hourly wage for a surgical tech is $20.81. There is a wide range in earnings, with some techs making as little as $14.50 per hour and some making as much as $29.00 per hour. The majority of techs appear to be earning somewhere in the middle, between $17.00 and $22.00 per hour.
