Highest Paying Surgical Technologist Specialties: Top Career Paths and Salary Insights

Surgeons may lead in the operating room (OR), but they can’t do it alone. Every successful procedure depends on a highly skilled team, and that includes some of the highest-paying surgical technologist specialties. Surgical technologists and surgical assistants play a crucial role in supporting nurses, anesthesia professionals, and physicians by ensuring surgeries run smoothly and patients receive the best possible care.

For those considering a rewarding career in healthcare, surgical technologist specialties represent some of the most exciting opportunities available today. Not only do these careers make a direct impact in life-saving procedures, but they also offer excellent earning potential, especially for those pursuing high-demand roles like cardiovascular, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgical technology. Many professionals are also finding financial and professional benefits in travel surgical technologist positions, which provide flexibility and the chance to work in top-paying states across the country.

Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and allied health careers continue to be among the fastest-growing fields in 2025. With an increasing demand for skilled professionals in surgical settings, now is the perfect time to explore which specialty aligns with your career goals. Each role comes with unique responsibilities, required certifications, and salary ranges, giving you the chance to find a path that matches both your interests and lifestyle.

In this guide, nurse.education breaks down five of the most popular and highest paying surgical technologist specialties. We’ll cover the education and certification requirements you’ll need to get started, the average salaries for staff and travel technologists, and the states currently offering the best pay for these roles. Whether you’re just beginning your journey in surgical technology or looking to specialize further, this overview will give you valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your future in the OR.

Demand and Salaries in the Highest Paying Surgical Technologist Specialties

The demand for professionals in surgical technologist specialties continues to rise, creating strong career opportunities across the healthcare industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical assistants and technologists are projected to see 6% job growth between 2023 and 2033, with an average of 8,700 openings per year. This growth rate is faster than the national average for all occupations, making surgical technology one of the more reliable and rewarding career choices in allied health.

With such high demand, many professionals working in the highest paying surgical technologist specialties earn salaries well above the median for U.S. workers. The typical surgical technologist makes more than $42,220 per year, and those who pursue advanced certifications or specialized roles can earn significantly more.

Salary levels in surgical technology vary depending on several factors, including location, job type (such as staff versus travel surgical technologist positions), level of education, and hands-on experience. For example, recent data from nurse.education in December 2024 showed that staff surgical technologists earned an average of $22.66 per hour, while Certified Surgical Technologists, who typically hold higher levels of training and credentials, earned an average of $34.84 per hour.

Specializing in surgical technology is one of the most effective ways to boost earning potential. By pursuing certification and focusing on in-demand specialties such as cardiovascular, neurosurgery, or orthopedic surgical technology, professionals can unlock higher salaries, broaden their skill set, and establish themselves as vital members of the operating room team. Additionally, many of these careers require only a relatively short educational path, making surgical technology an appealing choice for individuals who want to enter healthcare quickly while enjoying the benefits of competitive pay and long-term job security.

5 Career Paths in the Highest Paying Surgical Technologist Specialties

When exploring a future in healthcare, it’s important to understand how different surgical technologist specialties shape your career path, earning potential, and opportunities for advancement. Education, certifications, and responsibilities all influence salaries, with the highest paying surgical technologist specialties often requiring more advanced training and offering greater rewards. In this section, we’ll break down common career options, salary insights, and job availability across the United States. Salary figures are based on data collected by nurse.education in December 2024.

1. Surgical Technician

Surgical Technicians are essential members of the operating room team, working closely with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers. They prepare and maintain the surgical environment, manage instruments, and ensure that every procedure runs safely and efficiently. Their precision and calm presence under pressure are vital to patient outcomes.

The path to becoming a surgical technician typically requires a short post-secondary education program that blends classroom learning with hands-on clinical training. These programs are often available through community colleges, technical schools, or hospital-based programs, making this an accessible entry point into surgical technology.

Salary data shows that staff surgical technicians earned an average of $22.66 per hour in December 2024, equating to roughly $47,133 annually for a full-time position. On the other hand, travel surgical technicians earned significantly more, averaging $1,882 per week, providing an attractive option for professionals willing to relocate or take short-term assignments where demand is highest.

During the same period, job postings revealed ample opportunities nationwide, with around 20 staff surgical technician openings and more than 100 listings for travel surgical technicians. States with higher demand often offer more competitive pay, making travel assignments one of the most lucrative options within surgical technology.

Top Five Best-Paying States for Travel Surgical Technicians

State	Average Weekly Travel Salary	Max Weekly Travel Salary
Wisconsin	$2,242	$3,069
Connecticut	$2,190	$2,336
Massachusetts	$2,152	$2,720
Minnesota	$2,136	$2,745
Vermont	$2,066	$2,440

2. Surgical Technologist

Often referred to as surgical techs, Surgical Technologists are integral members of the operating room team. They prepare the OR before procedures, ensure all instruments are properly sterilized, assist surgeons by passing tools, managing supplies, and even supporting patient care during and after surgery. Their role is essential to maintaining efficiency and safety in every operation.

The educational path to becoming a surgical technologist can vary by state, so it’s important to review local requirements. Generally, the journey begins with a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completion of a postsecondary certificate or associate degree from an accredited program. Accreditation should come from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), both of which set national standards for training.

When it comes to earnings, surgical technologists fall within some of the highest paying surgical technologist specialties depending on their role, location, and level of experience. In December 2024, average salaries for staff surgical technologists reached $33.55 per hour, or about $69,784 annually. However, pay can be much higher in certain regions. For example, staff surgical techs earned more than $40 per hour in several states, with the top earners working in:

Top Five Best-Paying States for Staff Surgical Techs

• Washington – $56/hour

• California – $55/hour

• Oregon – $50/hour

• Virginia – $40/hour

• North Carolina – $40/hour

For those open to flexibility, becoming a travel surgical technologist offers even greater earning potential. Travel surgical techs averaged $1,860 per week during the same period, with top-paying states providing significantly more:

Top Five Best-Paying States for Travel Surgical Techs

• Connecticut – $2,265/week

• Wisconsin – $2,243/week

• Idaho – $2,223/week

• Vermont – $2,190/week

• Massachusetts – $2,165/week

The demand for both staff and travel surgical technologists remains strong, with hundreds of job postings nationwide. What makes this career even more appealing is the opportunity to specialize. Surgical technologists can pursue advanced roles in high-demand areas such as cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, organ transplants, orthopedics, pediatrics, and plastic surgery, many of which fall under the highest-paying surgical technologist specialties available today.

3. Certified Surgical Technologist

Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) are vital members of the surgical team, responsible for tasks such as sterilizing equipment, preparing instruments, passing tools to surgeons, retracting tissue to improve visibility, applying dressings, and maintaining a sterile environment. While many of these duties overlap with those of surgical technologists, CSTs stand apart by earning formal certification, a qualification that often leads to higher salaries and access to some of the highest paying surgical technologist specialties.

Certification requirements vary by state. Some states mandate certification, licensure, or registration to work as a surgical technologist, while others do not. To become certified, professionals must first complete an accredited postsecondary program, earning either a certificate or an associate degree. From there, candidates are eligible to sit for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exam, which grants the CST credential upon passing. In some states, certification from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) or completion of a military surgical technology program is also recognized.

Salaries for certified surgical technologists tend to outpace those of non-certified techs. As of December 2024, the typical CST earned $34.55 per hour, or about $71,864 annually in a full-time staff role. However, pay can climb higher depending on location. For instance, CSTs earned $51 per hour in Idaho, $39 in Illinois, and $38 in Texas, placing them among the most competitive regions for this specialty.

For those seeking even greater flexibility and earnings, working as a travel certified surgical technologist can be especially lucrative. Travel CSTs earned an average of $1,862 per week, with top-paying states offering much more:

Top Five Best-Paying States for Travel Certified Surgical Technologists

• Wisconsin – $2,242 weekly (up to $3,069)

• Connecticut – $2,190 weekly (up to $2,336)

• Massachusetts – $2,152 weekly (up to $2,720)

• Minnesota – $2,136 weekly (up to $2,745)

• Vermont – $2,066 weekly (up to $2,440)

During the same research period, job availability was robust: more than 75 staff CST positions and nearly 1,000 travel CST jobs were posted across the U.S. Many of these roles listed NCCT or NBSTSA certification as a required qualification, reinforcing the value of certification in securing roles within the highest paying surgical technologist specialties.

4. CVOR Surgical Technologist

Among the highest paying surgical technologist specialties, the role of the Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Surgical Technologist stands out for its complexity and demand. These professionals are responsible for preparing the operating room for cardiovascular procedures, ensuring that all equipment is set up properly, maintaining a sterile environment, and managing instruments and supplies during surgery. Because of the highly specialized nature of this work, most CVOR surgical technologists begin their careers as general surgical technologists and gain at least three years of experience before moving into this specialty.

Salary data highlights the potential for strong earnings, particularly in travel positions. As of December 2024, the average staff CVOR surgical technologist salary was $28.66 per hour (about $59,613 annually). While this figure appeared lower than the average general surgical technologist pay, the limited number of staff postings, fewer than 10 at the time of research, may have impacted the average.

In contrast, travel CVOR surgical technologists consistently commanded higher salaries, reflecting the premium placed on this specialty. With over 1,000 travel CVOR job listings nationwide, the average weekly pay reached $2,119, significantly higher than the $1,860 weekly average for general travel surgical technologists. In-demand states offered even more lucrative packages, making this specialty especially appealing for those open to travel.

Top Five Best-Paying States for Travel CVOR Surgical Technologists

• District of Columbia – $2,571 weekly (up to $3,316)

• Washington – $2,527 weekly (up to $3,136)

• Virginia – $2,497 weekly (up to $3,255)

• Massachusetts – $2,354 weekly (up to $2,769)

• New Mexico – $2,326 weekly (up to $3,136)

For surgical professionals seeking both specialized experience and higher earning potential, the CVOR path represents one of the most lucrative surgical technologist specialties available. Combining advanced skills with the flexibility of travel roles can make this career track one of the top choices for maximizing pay in surgical technology.

5. Surgical First Assistant

Among the most advanced and highest-paying roles within surgical technology careers is the Surgical First Assistant (SFA). This position commands higher compensation due to the rigorous education, clinical training, and hands-on experience required. To become an SFA, candidates typically begin as a Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), or Physician Assistant (PA) before pursuing specialized training in surgical assisting. After completing an accredited surgical first assistant program, most professionals pursue certification through the NBSTSA to earn the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential, a key requirement for entering the field.

The role of a Surgical First Assistant is critical in the operating room, as SFAs work side by side with surgeons to ensure patient safety and successful outcomes. Their duties extend across the entire surgical process, pre-operative preparation, intra-operative support, and post-operative care. Key responsibilities often include patient positioning and draping, maintaining sterility, handling surgical instruments, suturing incisions, controlling bleeding, and assisting with wound closure and care. This comprehensive role makes SFAs indispensable members of the surgical team.

When it comes to compensation, surgical tech salaries for this role are highly competitive. Research indicates that the average surgical first assistant salary is about $39.48 per hour, equating to approximately $82,118 annually for full-time positions. For those pursuing travel opportunities, the average travel surgical first assistant salary can reach around $2,273 weekly, offering both financial rewards and the chance to work in diverse healthcare settings across the country.

Although full-time, staff-based positions for SFAs may be more limited, the demand in the travel sector remains strong. During recent research, more than 70 active travel surgical first assistant jobs were available nationwide, highlighting the flexibility and career growth potential in this specialty.

Top Five Best-Paying States for Travel Surgical First Assistants

Based on posted job data, here are the highest-paying states for travel surgical first assistant salaries:

State	Average Weekly Salary	Maximum Weekly Salary
Missouri	$2,804	$3,154
Georgia	$2,535	$3,029
Illinois	$2,455	$2,660
Indiana	$2,310	$3,066
Michigan	$2,113	$2,510

This data shows that pursuing a career as a Surgical First Assistant can open doors to both financial stability and professional growth, especially for those open to travel opportunities.

Grow Your Career in Surgical Technology Ready to take the next step in your healthcare journey? Surgical technology careers offer rewarding opportunities to make a real difference in the operating room while advancing your professional skills. Whether you’re interested in becoming a surgical technologist, certified surgical first assistant, or exploring travel surgical tech jobs, the possibilities are endless.

With growing demand across the country, surgical technology specialties provide competitive pay, job security, and the chance to work alongside skilled surgeons and healthcare teams. Explore available opportunities and resources on nurse.education to discover the best surgical technology jobs that align with your goals. Start building your future in surgical technology today.