Do I need certification to work as a surgical technologist in my state?

Only a subset of states legally require certification or accredited education for surgical technologists. Many others are unregulated at the state level, but employers often prefer or require CST certification.

What is the typical salary range for surgical technologists by state?

Median annual wages vary significantly by state, with some states in the mid-$40,000s and others approaching or exceeding the upper-$70,000s according to recent BLS data.

Which states regulate surgical technologists vs. surgical assistants?

Some states regulate surgical technologists directly, while others regulate only surgical assistants. In assistant-only states, surgical technologists can typically work without state licensure or certification, though employers may still set their own requirements.

What does 'Assistant-only' regulation mean?

'Assistant-only' states regulate surgical assistants, who perform advanced perioperative roles, but do not regulate surgical technologists as a distinct profession.

How do I become a surgical technologist?

Most surgical technologists complete a CAAHEP-accredited program, then sit for the CST exam from NBSTSA. After certification, they review their state’s requirements, apply for positions in hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers, and maintain certification through continuing education.

Do I need certification to work as a surgical technologist in my state?

Only a subset of states legally require certification or accredited education for surgical technologists. Many others are unregulated at the state level, but employers often prefer or require CST certification.

What is the typical salary range for surgical technologists by state?

Median annual wages vary significantly by state, with some states in the mid-$40,000s and others approaching or exceeding the upper-$70,000s according to recent BLS data.

Which states regulate surgical technologists vs. surgical assistants?

Some states regulate surgical technologists directly, while others regulate only surgical assistants. In assistant-only states, surgical technologists can typically work without state licensure or certification, though employers may still set their own requirements.

What does 'Assistant-only' regulation mean?

'Assistant-only' states regulate surgical assistants, who perform advanced perioperative roles, but do not regulate surgical technologists as a distinct profession.

How do I become a surgical technologist?

Most surgical technologists complete a CAAHEP-accredited program, then sit for the CST exam from NBSTSA. After certification, they review their state’s requirements, apply for positions in hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers, and maintain certification through continuing education.

Surgical Technologist Career Hub

Explore what Certified Surgical Technologists do, where they work, and how to grow your career across specialties and advanced roles.

From day‑to‑day job duties to work environments and specialty pathways, this hub connects you to the resources you need to plan and advance your CST career.

What Is a Surgical Technologist Explore Specialties

What Is a Surgical Technologist?

Learn how Certified Surgical Technologists support surgeons, protect the sterile field, and keep procedures running safely and efficiently.

Read Overview

Job Duties

Review core surgical technologist responsibilities, from preparing the OR and instruments to anticipating the surgeon’s needs during every case.

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Work Environment

See where CSTs work—from hospital ORs and outpatient centers to labor and delivery—and what schedules, teams, and pace to expect.

Explore Work Settings

Surgical Technologist Specialties

Discover core specialties every Certified Surgical Technologist can pursue, from cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery to trauma and labor and delivery.

Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery for surgical technologists

Cardiovascular & Thoracic

Orthopedic Surgery

Neurosurgery

Trauma Surgery

Robotic Surgery

Labor and delivery specialty for surgical technologists

Labor & Delivery

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Career Paths & Advancement

See how CSTs progress from entry‑level roles to advanced specialties, lead technologist positions, and OR leadership.

Most surgical technologists start in general OR roles, build experience across multiple service lines, then specialize in complex procedures like cardiac, neuro, or trauma—or transition into leadership, education, or industry roles.

Use this hub to map your next step, whether you are a student exploring the field or an experienced CST planning your next promotion.

Plan Your Education & Certification

Ready to take the next step? Visit the Education Hub for CST exam prep, anatomy guides, skills checklists, and continuing education resources.

Go to Education Hub