Surgical Technologist in Idaho

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

Median annual salary

$62,930

trending_up +0.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering

990

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$350

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Idaho

To become a Surgical Technologist in Idaho, individuals must complete 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). Upon completion of an accredited program, candidates must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to obtain certification. Idaho does not issue a state license for surgical technologists; instead, state law mandates current NBSTSA certification for practice, with employers responsible for verification.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,580

25th percentile $51,260

50th (median) $62,930

75th percentile $75,170

90th (experienced) $77,650

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	60.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Idaho state law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Minimum age for program entry is 18 years old.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

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 Idaho? expand_more

To become a surgical technologist in Idaho, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.

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

No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in Idaho. Note: Idaho state law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Minimum age for program entry is 18 years old.

What do surgical technologists earn in Idaho? expand_more

Idaho surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $62,930. That's roughly in line with the $62,830 national median. New surgical technologists start around $46,580; seasoned professionals can reach $77,650.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($350) plus your education and training.

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

In Idaho, becoming a surgical technologist generally takes 9-24 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What's required to renew a surgical technologist license in Idaho? expand_more

License renewal in Idaho requires completing 60.0 hours of continuing education on a 4.0-year cycle.