Surgical Technologist in Mississippi

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

Median annual salary

$48,020

trending_down -23.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering

1,200

Jobs (MS)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$190

Licensing fees

schedule

9 months - 2 years (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Mississippi

To become a Surgical Technologist in Mississippi, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Aspiring surgical technologists 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), or a military surgical-technician training program. Upon completion of an accredited program, candidates must pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which costs $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,960

25th percentile $42,220

50th (median) $48,020

75th percentile $56,880

90th (experienced) $63,980

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

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($190)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Mississippi does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Candidates must pass a criminal background check and be up-to-date on immunizations. Minimum age for program admission is typically 18 years old. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.

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

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a surgical technologist in Mississippi? expand_more

In Mississippi, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.), and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.

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

surgical technologists in Mississippi are not required to hold a state license. Note: Mississippi does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Candidates must pass a criminal background check and be up-to-date on immunizations. Minimum age for program admission is typically 18 years old. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.

How much do surgical technologists make in Mississippi? expand_more

surgical technologists in Mississippi earn a median of $48,020 annually. That's 24% below the national median of $62,830. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $37,960, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $63,980.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($190) plus your education and training.

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

Expect to spend 9 months - 2 years (program dependent) from start to finish in Mississippi — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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

License renewal in Mississippi requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.