Surgical Technologist in Maryland

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

Median annual salary

$66,550

trending_up +5.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering

2,130

Jobs (MD)

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 Maryland

To become a Surgical Technologist in Maryland, state licensure is not required as Maryland does not regulate this profession at the state level. However, most employers require national certification, such as 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 should complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program to be eligible for these national certification exams. While there are no state-mandated continuing education hours, national certifications typically require ongoing education for renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $41,840

25th percentile $56,000

50th (median) $66,550

75th percentile $78,860

90th (experienced) $85,000

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing body	None (Maryland does not require state licensure)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
Notes	Maryland does not regulate surgical technologists at the state level. While state licensure is not required, most employers in Maryland require national certification, such as the CST certification through the NBSTSA or the TS-C credential through the NCCT. Applicants for the CST exam must complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. Certification maintenance for national certifications typically requires ongoing continuing education.

Source: None (Maryland does not require state licensure)

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

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Frequently asked questions

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

In Maryland, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.

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

No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in Maryland. Note: Maryland does not regulate surgical technologists at the state level. While state licensure is not required, most employers in Maryland require national certification, such as the CST certification through the NBSTSA or the TS-C credential through the NCCT. Applicants for the CST exam must complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. Certification maintenance for national certifications typically requires ongoing continuing education.

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Maryland? expand_more

In Maryland, the median pay for surgical technologists comes to $66,550/year. That's 6% above the national median of $62,830. Wages range from $41,840 (10th percentile) up to $85,000 (90th percentile).

How expensive is surgical technologist licensing in Maryland? expand_more

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

How many months or years does surgical technologist certification take in Maryland? expand_more

The typical timeline in Maryland is 9-24 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.