Surgical Technologist in Arizona

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

Median annual salary

$67,530

trending_up +7.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arizona.

engineering

2,220

Jobs (AZ)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$230

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months for education, plus exam and application processing time

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Arizona

To become a Surgical Technologist in Arizona, individuals are not required to hold a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification, typically through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) as a Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C). Certification requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and passing the respective national examination. Renewal for CST certification is every two years and requires 30 continuing education credits and a renewal fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $50,300

25th percentile $60,230

50th (median) $67,530

75th percentile $79,260

90th (experienced) $86,790

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

checklist Arizona requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
State license	Not required
Education	Graduation from a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam (NBSTSA) or Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) exam (NCCT) ($190)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Arizona does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification. Additional requirements for program admission and clinical rotations may include a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, background check, drug screening, immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hep-B, TDaP, Influenza), current CPR card, and health insurance. Some programs may also require a minimum age (not specified by state, but by program).

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 are the steps to becoming a surgical technologist in Arizona? expand_more

To become a surgical technologist in Arizona, you need to complete the required education (Graduation from a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.), pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam (NBSTSA) or Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) exam (NCCT), and submit your application ($40 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Arizona? expand_more

Arizona does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: Arizona does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification. Additional requirements for program admission and clinical rotations may include a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, background check, drug screening, immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hep-B, TDaP, Influenza), current CPR card, and health insurance. Some programs may also require a minimum age (not specified by state, but by program).

What do surgical technologists earn in Arizona? expand_more

The median surgical technologist salary in Arizona is $67,530 per year. This exceeds the $62,830 national median by 7%. New surgical technologists start around $50,300; seasoned professionals can reach $86,790.

How expensive is surgical technologist licensing in Arizona? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($190) and application fee ($40) plus your education and training.

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

Most candidates in Arizona complete the process in 9-24 months for education, plus exam and application processing time, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in Arizona? expand_more

Arizona requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.