Surgical Technologist in Montana

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

Median annual salary
$60,610
trending_down -3.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering
420

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Montana

To become a Surgical Technologist in Montana, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. 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). Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and pass a national certification exam, such as the CST exam administered by the NBSTSA. Certification is typically valid for four years and requires ongoing continuing education to maintain.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,200
25th percentile $50,630
50th (median) $60,610
75th percentile $65,590
90th (experienced) $75,570

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

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing bodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
State license Not required
EducationGraduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program (certificate or associate degree)
ExamCST exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C exam (NCCT)
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
NotesMontana does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, national certification (CST or TS-C) is strongly recommended and typically required by employers. Programs are generally 12-24 months. The CST certification requires ongoing continuing education for maintenance.

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?
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a surgical technologist in Montana? expand_more
In Montana, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program (certificate or associate degree)), and pass the CST exam (NBSTSA) or TS-C exam (NCCT).
Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Montana? expand_more
Montana does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: Montana does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, national certification (CST or TS-C) is strongly recommended and typically required by employers. Programs are generally 12-24 months. The CST certification requires ongoing continuing education for maintenance.
How much does a surgical technologist make in Montana? expand_more
The median surgical technologist salary in Montana is $60,610 per year. This is close to the national median of $62,830. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $40,200, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $75,570.
What's the timeline to become a surgical technologist in Montana? expand_more
Most candidates in Montana complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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