Surgical Technologist in Nebraska

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

Median annual salary

$62,670

trending_down -0.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.

engineering

680

Jobs (NE)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$350

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years (for certificate or associate's degree program)

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Nebraska

To become a Surgical Technologist in Nebraska, individuals typically complete an accredited surgical technology program, which can take 1-2 years. Although Nebraska does not require a state license, many employers require national certification, such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. This national certification must be renewed every four years by either re-examination or completing 60 hours of continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $47,880

25th percentile $53,910

50th (median) $62,670

75th percentile $65,740

90th (experienced) $79,090

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

checklist Nebraska requirements

Licensing body	Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program is generally required by employers, though not mandated by the state for licensure. Some employers may require national certification.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam (generally required by employers, not by the state for licensure) ($350)
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	60.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Nebraska does not currently license or register Surgical Technologists. While not state-mandated, many employers require national certification from the NBSTSA. Renewal of the national certification requires either re-examination or 60 hours of continuing education every four years. Some clinical facilities require drug testing and background checks for students.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

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

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

Nebraska requires surgical technologists to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program is generally required by employers, though not mandated by the state for licensure. Some employers may require national certification.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam (generally required by employers, not by the state for licensure).

Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Nebraska? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in Nebraska. Note: Nebraska does not currently license or register Surgical Technologists. While not state-mandated, many employers require national certification from the NBSTSA. Renewal of the national certification requires either re-examination or 60 hours of continuing education every four years. Some clinical facilities require drug testing and background checks for students.

How much do surgical technologists make in Nebraska? expand_more

surgical technologists in Nebraska earn a median of $62,670 annually. This is close to the national median of $62,830. The range spans from $47,880 at the entry level to $79,090 for top earners.

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

Costs include exam fee ($350). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a surgical technologist in Nebraska? expand_more

In Nebraska, becoming a surgical technologist generally takes 1-2 years (for certificate or associate's degree program), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in Nebraska? expand_more

To keep your license active, Nebraska mandates 60.0 CE hours every 4.0 years.