Surgical techs lay out surgical instruments, set up equipment and monitoring devices, and place sterile linens in the operating room. During surgery, they hand instruments to the surgeon and watch patient vital signs. The surgical tech also maintains the supply of blood, saline and plasma during surgery. Surgical techs make excellent money for a health care career which does not require a college degree.
Annual Salary Range
Salaries for surgical techs are wide ranging, with most earning between $25,000 and $51,000 annually in 2006, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average Annual Salary
The average yearly salary for surgical technicians in 2008 was about $38,000.
Hourly Rates
Median hourly pay for surgical techs, depending on specialization and experience, ranged between $14 and $22 in 2008.
Specialization
Specialties allow surgical techs to make more money, with the best opportunities in organ transplants, cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery and plastic surgery.
Location
Surgical techs who work for the federal government and in large hospitals generally make more money than those working in other facilities. The best money is in limited-term contract work, with a median hourly rate of about $24.75 an hour.
Benefits
Surgical technician jobs are usually full time and offer medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and a 401(k) program.
