What does a Surgical Technician do?
A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, supports surgeons with operations. They assist doctors during surgeries, organize operating rooms and prepare equipment. They are members of the surgical team, which usually consist of the surgeon, circular nurse, surgical assistant and the anesthesiologist.
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Working as a Surgical Technician
Surgical technicians carry out pre-surgery, during-surgery and post-surgery duties. The following are some of the functions they carry out in the hospital:
- Prepare and sterilize the operating room.
- Gather the needed equipment and tools for the surgery.
- Assist in preparing drugs and in administering them to the patient.
- Help in withdrawing tissues from the patient.
- Stitch the opening and apply sanitized dressings to the area.
- Maintain the OR's sterile environment until the patient is referred to the recovery ward.
How much does a Surgical Technician make in the United States?
Average base salary
The average salary for a surgical technician is $47.18 per hour in the United States. 116.1k salaries reported, updated at November 25, 2023
Where can a Surgical Technician earn more?
Compare salaries for Surgical Technicians in different locations
How much do similar professions get paid in United States?
Operating Room Technician
Job openingsAverage $2,178 per week
Scrub Tech
Job openingsAverage $36.47 per hour
Technician
Job openingsAverage $21.94 per hour
Anesthesia Technician
Job openingsAverage $27.73 per hour
Surgical Assistant
Job openingsAverage $24.07 per hour
Perfusionist
Job openingsAverage $151,468 per year
Common questions about for a Surgical Technician
What is the job outlook for a surgical technician?
Surgical technicians will continue to be necessary in the operating room and the job outlook is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, this job is expected to see a 9% growth through 2028 which will lead to high demand for surgical technicians.
Is surgical technician a good career?
Positive aspects of being a surgical technician include career stability, health care benefits and the potential to earn higher wages with more experience. On the other hand, the job can be very stressful and physically demanding.
How many hours do surgical technicians work?
The shifts and days worked by surgical technicians will vary depending on the type of hospital or facility they work in. Surgical technicians may work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
