The Profession

Employment of surgical technologists is expected to grow 24 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations, as the volume of surgeries increases.  The number of surgical procedures is expected to rise as the population grows and ages.  Older people, including the “baby boom” generation, who generally require more surgical procedures, will account for a larger portion of the general population.  In addition, technological advances, such as fiber optics and laser technology, will permit an increasing number of new surgical procedures to be performed and also will allow surgical technologists to assist with a greater number of procedures.

Hospitals will continue to be the primary employer of surgical technologists, although much faster employment growth is expected in offices of physicians and in outpatient care centers, including ambulatory surgical centers.

The median wage-and-salary earnings for surgical technologists was  $36,080 in May, 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,300 and $43,560.  The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,140.  Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of surgical technologists were:

Benefits provided by most employers include paid vacation and sick leave; health, medical, vision, dental, and life insurance; and a retirement program.  A few employers also provide tuition reimbursement for additional study and child care benefits.

Employment Information is from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site (www.bls.gov).

Contact UAMS-CHRP    Catalog    For Current Students    For Faculty & Staff    For Alumni   CHRP Home