Surgical Technologist in Kentucky

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

Median annual salary

$52,240

trending_down -16.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering

1,900

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule

9-24 months for education program

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Kentucky

Kentucky does not require state licensure for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from either the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To become certified, 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), and then pass the CST exam administered by the NBSTSA or the TS-C exam administered by the NCCT. There is no state-level reciprocity, but national certifications are widely recognized by employers.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,260

25th percentile $46,600

50th (median) $52,240

75th percentile $61,610

90th (experienced) $70,140

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

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES
Exam	CST Exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT) exam
Notes	Kentucky 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). Background checks and drug screens are typically required by educational programs and employers. There is no interstate compact for surgical technologists.

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?

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 I become a surgical technologist in Kentucky? expand_more

In Kentucky, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES), and pass the CST Exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C (NCCT) exam.

Is a state license required for surgical technologists in Kentucky? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in Kentucky. Note: Kentucky 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). Background checks and drug screens are typically required by educational programs and employers. There is no interstate compact for surgical technologists.

How much do surgical technologists make in Kentucky? expand_more

surgical technologists in Kentucky earn a median of $52,240 annually. This trails the $62,830 national median by 17%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $38,260, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $70,140.

What's the timeline to become a surgical technologist in Kentucky? expand_more

Most candidates in Kentucky complete the process in 9-24 months for education program, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.