CertOutlook

Surgical Technologist in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary
$78,300
trending_up +24.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering
2,240

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$340

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Massachusetts

To become a Surgical Technologist in Massachusetts, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES and obtain certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While Massachusetts does not issue a state license, state law mandates that surgical technologists hold a current NBSTSA certification or meet specific alternative qualifications to practice. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which costs $340 for non-members and $230 for AST members, and requires 30 continuing education hours every two years for renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,430
25th percentile $62,740
50th (median) $78,300
75th percentile $88,010
90th (experienced) $105,800

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

checklist Massachusetts requirements

Licensing bodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
ExamNBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($340)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesMassachusetts state law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA or meet alternative qualifications. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. The NBSTSA CST exam costs $230 for AST members and $340 for non-members. An additional $85 rush processing fee is available for first-time test takers. Eligibility for the CST exam requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or a military surgical technology training program. Some programs may require a background check and immunizations.

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

How do I become a surgical technologist in Massachusetts? expand_more
To become a surgical technologist in Massachusetts, 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.
Can I work as a surgical technologist in Massachusetts without a license? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in Massachusetts. Note: Massachusetts state law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA or meet alternative qualifications. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. The NBSTSA CST exam costs $230 for AST members and $340 for non-members. An additional $85 rush processing fee is available for first-time test takers. Eligibility for the CST exam requires graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or a military surgical technology training program. Some programs may require a background check and immunizations.
What is the average surgical technologist salary in Massachusetts? expand_more
In Massachusetts, the median pay for surgical technologists comes to $78,300/year. This exceeds the $62,830 national median by 25%. The range spans from $48,430 at the entry level to $105,800 for top earners.
How expensive is surgical technologist licensing in Massachusetts? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($340). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does surgical technologist certification take in Massachusetts? expand_more
Most candidates in Massachusetts complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do surgical technologists need in Massachusetts? expand_more
To keep your license active, Massachusetts mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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