Surgical Technologist in Delaware

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

Median annual salary

$62,230

trending_down -1.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.

engineering

370

Jobs (DE)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$290

Licensing fees

schedule

1-5 years (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Delaware

To become a Surgical Technologist in Delaware, while there is no state-level licensing, most employers require national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This typically involves completing an accredited surgical technologist program and passing the CST Exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $49,190

25th percentile $52,620

50th (median) $62,230

75th percentile $64,950

90th (experienced) $78,820

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

checklist Delaware requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for CST certification (employer-driven, not state-mandated)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of an accredited surgical technologist program (CAAHEP or ABHES accredited) or a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	CST Exam (NBSTSA) ($290)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Delaware does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Minimum age of 18 and a clean background check are generally required by employers. Some programs may require a physical exam, TB test, and drug screen. Some employers may accept on-the-job training or relevant work experience as a substitute for certification.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for CST certification (employer-driven, not state-mandated)

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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

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

The path to surgical technologist licensure in Delaware: complete the required education (Completion of an accredited surgical technologist program (CAAHEP or ABHES accredited) or a military surgical-technician training program.), and pass the CST Exam (NBSTSA).

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

surgical technologists in Delaware are not required to hold a state license. Note: Delaware does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Minimum age of 18 and a clean background check are generally required by employers. Some programs may require a physical exam, TB test, and drug screen. Some employers may accept on-the-job training or relevant work experience as a substitute for certification.

How much does a surgical technologist make in Delaware? expand_more

Delaware surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $62,230. — within a few percent of the $62,830 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $49,190, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $78,820.

How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in Delaware? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($290). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in Delaware? expand_more

The typical timeline in Delaware is 1-5 years (program dependent). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

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