Surgical Technologist in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$60,420
trending_down
-3.8% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.
engineering
2,060
Jobs (MO)
monitoring
Strong
+4.5%
10-yr job growth
payments
$330
Licensing fees
schedule
9-24 months
Time to complete
route How to become a surgical technologist in Missouri
While Missouri does not have state-level licensing for Surgical Technologists, most employers require national certification. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). To become certified, individuals must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and pass the CST exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits and paying an application fee.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$45,150
25th percentile
$50,760
50th (median)
$60,420
75th percentile
$68,900
90th (experienced)
$81,540
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Missouri. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Missouri requirements
| Licensing body | Missouri does not have a state-level licensing body for Surgical Technologists. Certification is typically through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | Graduation from 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. |
| Exam | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($290) |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Missouri does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Applicants for the CST exam must complete their training program within 5 years of taking the exam. A person may be employed as a surgical technologist for a 12-month period immediately following graduation from an accredited program, but cannot continue employment beyond that period without CST certification. Annual completion of 15 hours of continuing education is required for employment in a licensed healthcare facility. |
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
arrow_forward
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Frequently asked questions
How do you get certified as a surgical technologist in Missouri? expand_more
Missouri requires surgical technologists to complete the required education (Graduation from 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.), pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, and submit your application ($40 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Missouri? expand_more
Missouri does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: Missouri does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Applicants for the CST exam must complete their training program within 5 years of taking the exam. A person may be employed as a surgical technologist for a 12-month period immediately following graduation from an accredited program, but cannot continue employment beyond that period without CST certification. Annual completion of 15 hours of continuing education is required for employment in a licensed healthcare facility.
What do surgical technologists earn in Missouri? expand_more
The median surgical technologist salary in Missouri is $60,420 per year. That's roughly in line with the $62,830 national median. The range spans from $45,150 at the entry level to $81,540 for top earners.
How expensive is surgical technologist licensing in Missouri? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($290) and application fee ($40) and required training.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in Missouri? expand_more
Most candidates in Missouri complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do surgical technologists need in Missouri? expand_more
Missouri requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.
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