Surgical Technologist in New York

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

Median annual salary
$75,250
trending_up +19.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering
5,910

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$350

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in New York

To become a Surgical Technologist in New York, individuals must complete a nationally accredited educational program for surgical technologists and obtain certification from a nationally accredited organization such as the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). New York does not issue a state license; instead, employers are responsible for verifying that surgical technologists meet these certification and education requirements. Certification through the NBSTSA (CST) typically requires renewal every two years with 30 continuing education hours, while the NCCT (TS-C) requires annual renewal with 14 continuing education hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $50,370
25th percentile $60,180
50th (median) $75,250
75th percentile $85,860
90th (experienced) $101,920

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing bodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
ExamNBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesNew York State law (effective 2015) requires surgical technologists to have completed a nationally accredited educational program and hold a current certification from a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization (like NBSTSA or NCCT) to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Grandfathering provisions and military training exemptions apply. Surgical technologists must annually complete fifteen hours of continuing education to remain qualified to practice in a healthcare facility, though national certifications may have different renewal cycles and CE requirements.

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

How do I become a surgical technologist in New York? expand_more
In New York, becoming a surgical technologist requires you 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 New York without a license? expand_more
New York does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: New York State law (effective 2015) requires surgical technologists to have completed a nationally accredited educational program and hold a current certification from a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization (like NBSTSA or NCCT) to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Grandfathering provisions and military training exemptions apply. Surgical technologists must annually complete fifteen hours of continuing education to remain qualified to practice in a healthcare facility, though national certifications may have different renewal cycles and CE requirements.
What do surgical technologists earn in New York? expand_more
New York surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $75,250. That's 20% above the national median of $62,830. Wages range from $50,370 (10th percentile) up to $101,920 (90th percentile).
How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in New York? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($350) and required training.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in New York? expand_more
Most candidates in New York complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in New York? expand_more
License renewal in New York requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.

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