### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Surgical Assistants and Technologists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			surgical technologists imageSurgical technologists hand instruments and supplies to surgeons during an operation.							
						Quick Facts:     Surgical Assistants and Technologists2023     Median Pay
            						$60,370     per year
										$29.03     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Postsecondary nondegree awardWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    128,900Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    7,000What Surgical Assistants and Technologists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Most surgical assistants and technologists work in hospitals. They spend much of their time on their feet.
            
                                                How to Become a Surgical Assistant or Technologist
                                                
                        
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $59,160 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $60,610 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for surgical assistants and technologists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of surgical assistants and technologists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about surgical assistants and technologists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Surgical Assistants and Technologists Do 
            

			Surgical technologistsSurgical technologists may transport patients to surgery.			
Surgical assistants and technologists help with surgical operations. Surgical assistants, also called *surgical first assistants*, help surgeons with tasks such as making incisions, placing clamps, and closing surgical sites. Surgical technologists, also called *operating room technicians*, prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors and first assistants during surgeries.
Duties
Surgical technologists typically do the following:
Prepare operating rooms for surgery
Sterilize equipment and make sure that there are adequate supplies for surgery
Ready patients for surgery, such as by washing and disinfecting incision sites
Help surgeons during surgery by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies
Count supplies, such as surgical instruments, to ensure that no foreign objects are retained in patients
Maintain a sterile environment to prevent patient infectionBefore an operation, surgical technologists prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment. They prepare sterile solutions and medications used in surgery and check that all surgical equipment is working properly. Surgical technologists also bring patients to the operating room and get them ready for surgery by positioning them on the table, covering them with sterile drapes, and washing and disinfecting incision sites. And they help the surgical team put on sterile gowns.
During an operation, surgical technologists pass the sterile instruments and supplies to surgeons and first assistants. They might hold retractors, hold internal organs in place during the procedure, or set up robotic surgical equipment. Technologists also may handle specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
After the operation is complete, surgical technologists may apply bandages and other dressings to the incision site. They may also transfer patients to recovery rooms and restock operating rooms after a procedure.
Surgical assistants have a hands-on role, directly assisting surgeons during a procedure. For example, they may help to suction the incision site or suture a wound.
Surgical assistants and technologists work as members of a healthcare team alongside physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers.
 Work Environment
			Surgical technologistsSurgical technologists are trained to maintain the sterile field, preventing the risk of infection during surgery.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Surgical assistants held about 19,700 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of surgical assistants were as follows:
        General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                43%Offices of dentists
                24Offices of physicians
                19Outpatient care centers
                5Surgical technologists held about 109,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of surgical technologists were as follows:
        Hospitals; state, local, and private
                71%Outpatient care centers
                12Offices of physicians
                12Administrative and support services
                2Offices of dentists
                1Ambulatory surgical centers are included in outpatient care centers.
Surgical assistants and technologists wear scrubs and sterile gowns, gloves, caps, and masks while they are in the operating room. Their work may be physically demanding, requiring them to be on their feet for long periods. Surgical technologists also may need to help move patients or lift heavy trays of medical supplies. At times, they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.
Work Schedules
Most surgical assistants and technologists work full time. Surgical assistants and technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
 How to Become a Surgical Assistant or Technologist

			Surgical technologistsSurgical assistants and technologists work as members of a healthcare team alongside physicians and surgeons, registered nurses, and other healthcare workers.			
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers may require or prefer that workers have certification. Some states regulate these workers.
Education
Surgical assistants and technologists typically need a certificate or associate’s degree from an accredited program. Many community colleges and vocational schools, as well as some universities and hospitals, offer accredited surgical technology or surgical assisting programs.
Surgical assistants may complete a formal education program in surgical assisting. Others may work as surgical technologists and receive additional on-the-job training to become first assistants.
Surgical technology education includes courses such as anatomy, microbiology, and physiology. These workers also learn about the care and safety of patients, sterilization techniques, how to set up technical or robotic equipment, and preventing and controlling infections. In addition to classroom study, students gain hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredits programs in surgical technology and surgical assisting.
Important Qualities
***Communication.***To prevent infections or other complications, surgical assistants and technologists must relay any issues that arise during surgery to the other members of the healthcare team.
***Detail oriented.*** Surgical assistants and technologists must pay close attention to their work. For example, surgical technologists need to provide the correct sterile equipment for surgeons during an operation.
***Dexterity.*** Surgical assistants and technologists should be comfortable working with their hands. They must provide needed equipment quickly.
***Integrity.*** Because they are trusted to help during surgical procedures, surgical assistants and technologists must be ethical and honest.
***Listening skills.***Responding to requests from surgeons and others on the surgical team requires the ability to listen to and understand spoken directions.
***Physical stamina.*** Surgical assistants and technologists should be comfortable standing for extended periods.
***Stress-management skills.*** Working in an operating room can be stressful. Surgical assistants and technologists should work well under pressure.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Certification may be beneficial for finding a job, and some employers may require it. Surgical assistants and technologists may earn certification through credentialing organizations.
For example, certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting allows the use of the title “Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).” Certification typically requires completing an accredited formal education program or military training program and passing an exam.
Certification through the National Center for Competency Testing allows the use of the title “Tech in Surgery – Certified or TS-C (NCCT).” Applicants may qualify through formal education, military training, or work experience. All require documenting critical skills and passing an exam.
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants, and the American Board of Surgical Assistants offer certification for surgical assistants.
In addition, many jobs require that surgical assistants and technologists become certified in CPR or basic life support (BLS), or both.
Some states have regulations governing the work of surgical assistants and technologists. For more information, contact your state licensing agency.
Advancement
Surgical assistants and technologists may choose to advance to other healthcare occupations, such as registered nurse. Advancement to other healthcare occupations usually requires additional education, training, and/or certifications or licenses. A technologist may also choose to become a postsecondary teacher of health specialties.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Surgical Assistants and TechnologistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations$80,820  Surgical technologists$60,610  Surgical assistants and technologists$60,370  Surgical assistants$59,160  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for surgical assistants was $59,160 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $101,180.The median annual wage for surgical technologists was $60,610 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $83,150.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for surgical assistants in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                $65,470Offices of physicians
                64,100Outpatient care centers
                63,510Offices of dentists
                50,610In May 2023, the median annual wages for surgical technologists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Outpatient care centers
                $61,320Hospitals; state, local, and private
                61,110Administrative and support services
                60,170Offices of physicians
                58,030Offices of dentists
                46,580Most surgical assistants and technologists work full time. Surgical assistants and technologists employed in hospitals may work or be on call during nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also be required to work shifts lasting longer than 8 hours.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                      Surgical Assistants and TechnologistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations8%  Surgical assistants5%  Surgical assistants and technologists5%  Surgical technologists5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of surgical assistants and technologists is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 8,600 openings for surgical assistants and technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
The aging of the large baby-boom generation is expected to increase the demand for surgical procedures, which should result in a greater need for surgical assistants and technologists. A rise in the number of surgeries among all age groups also is expected to support job growth.
Heightened demand for these workers is expected in outpatient settings, such as ambulatory surgery centers. These facilities are seeing an increase in the number of surgeries because of advances in medical technology and changes in insurers’ policies.
			

                        Employment projections data for     surgical assistants and technologists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Surgical assistants and technologists**
			—
			128,900
			135,900
			5
			7,000
			—**Surgical assistants**
			29-9093
			19,700
			20,700
			5
			1,000
			Get data**Surgical technologists**
			29-2055
			109,200
			115,200
			5
			5,900
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Surgical assistants
					Surgical technologists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of surgical assistants and technologists. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Dental Assistants**
            Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $46,540**Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses**
            Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $59,730**Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians**
            Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians perform medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
            Bachelor's degree
            $60,780**Medical Assistants**
            Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $42,000**Physicians and Surgeons**
            Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            This wage is equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.**Registered Nurses**
            Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $86,070
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about surgical technologists, visit
Association of Surgical Technologists
For a list of accredited programs for surgical assistants and technologists, visit
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
For information about certification, visit
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
National Center for Competency Testing
National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants
American Board of Surgical Assistants

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Surgical AssistantsSurgical Technologists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Surgical Assistants and Technologists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/surgical-technologists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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