Surgical Technologist in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$48,920

trending_down -22.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

2,610

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$190

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months for education program, plus exam preparation

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Alabama

To become a Surgical Technologist in Alabama, while state licensure is not required, most employers prefer or require national certification. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Eligibility for the CST exam typically requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. Another option is the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), which has different eligibility pathways including education or experience. Both certifications require continuing education for renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,940

25th percentile $39,070

50th (median) $48,920

75th percentile $57,960

90th (experienced) $65,400

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for CST or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for TS-C
State license	Not required
Education	Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program (for CST); High school diploma/GED and completion of a surgical technology program from an NCCT-authorized school or 3 years of experience as a surgical tech (for TS-C)
Exam	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam or Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) exam ($190)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Alabama does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification (CST or TS-C). Minimum age is not specified for certification, but typically aligns with program admission requirements (e.g., high school diploma/GED). Background checks and drug screens are often required for program admission and employment.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for CST or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) for TS-C

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.5%

Faster than average

Annual openings

7,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

115,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a surgical technologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a surgical technologist in Alabama? expand_more

In Alabama, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program (for CST); High school diploma/GED and completion of a surgical technology program from an NCCT-authorized school or 3 years of experience as a surgical tech (for TS-C)), and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam or Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) exam.

Can I work as a surgical technologist in Alabama without a license? expand_more

surgical technologists in Alabama are not required to hold a state license. Note: Alabama does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification (CST or TS-C). Minimum age is not specified for certification, but typically aligns with program admission requirements (e.g., high school diploma/GED). Background checks and drug screens are often required for program admission and employment.

What do surgical technologists earn in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $48,920. That's 22% below the national median of $62,830. Wages range from $33,940 (10th percentile) up to $65,400 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get surgical technologist certified in Alabama? expand_more

Between exam fee ($190), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a surgical technologist in Alabama? expand_more

The typical timeline in Alabama is 9-24 months for education program, plus exam preparation. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do surgical technologists need in Alabama? expand_more

Yes — surgical technologists in Alabama must complete 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.