Surgical Technologist in Alaska

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

Median annual salary
$79,040
trending_up +25.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering
290

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$190

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months for education program

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Alaska

To become a Surgical Technologist in Alaska, state licensure is not required. However, most employers mandate national certification, typically the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) credential from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Aspiring surgical technologists must complete an accredited surgical technology program, usually taking 9-24 months, and then pass the respective national certification exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $52,850
25th percentile $61,880
50th (median) $79,040
75th percentile $84,020
90th (experienced) $99,270

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

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing bodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
State license Not required
EducationGraduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program (for CST) or high school diploma/GED and completion of an NCCT-authorized surgical technology program or 3 years of experience (for TS-C)
ExamCST Exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C Exam (NCCT) ($190)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesAlaska does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from either the NBSTSA (CST) or the NCCT (TS-C). The CST exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. The TS-C exam cost is $199. CST renewal requires 30 CE hours every 2 years and a $25 renewal fee. TS-C renewal requires 14 CE hours annually and a $77 renewal fee.

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

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

What's required to work as a surgical technologist in Alaska? expand_more
The path to surgical technologist licensure in Alaska: complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program (for CST) or high school diploma/GED and completion of an NCCT-authorized surgical technology program or 3 years of experience (for TS-C)), and pass the CST Exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C Exam (NCCT).
Can I work as a surgical technologist in Alaska without a license? expand_more
surgical technologists in Alaska are not required to hold a state license. Note: Alaska does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from either the NBSTSA (CST) or the NCCT (TS-C). The CST exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. The TS-C exam cost is $199. CST renewal requires 30 CE hours every 2 years and a $25 renewal fee. TS-C renewal requires 14 CE hours annually and a $77 renewal fee.
How much does a surgical technologist make in Alaska? expand_more
Alaska surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $79,040. — 26% higher than the $62,830 national figure. New surgical technologists start around $52,850; seasoned professionals can reach $99,270.
How expensive is surgical technologist licensing in Alaska? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($190). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a surgical technologist in Alaska? expand_more
Expect to spend 9-24 months for education program from start to finish in Alaska — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does Alaska require continuing education for surgical technologists? expand_more
License renewal in Alaska requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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