Surgical Technologist in North Dakota

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

Median annual salary

$59,990

trending_down -4.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.

engineering

270

Jobs (ND)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$400

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in North Dakota

To become a Surgical Technologist in North Dakota, individuals must register with the North Dakota Board of Nursing as an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). This typically involves completing a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. While national certification, such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, is not a state mandate, many employers prefer or require it. The registration requires an application fee of $50 and renewal every two years with 24 continuing education hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,110

25th percentile $50,620

50th (median) $59,990

75th percentile $62,340

90th (experienced) $66,220

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

checklist North Dakota requirements

Licensing body	North Dakota Board of Nursing
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	North Dakota requires registration with the Board of Nursing as an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a background check. While national certification (CST) is not explicitly mandated by the state, it is often preferred or required by employers. Renewal requires maintaining national certification or completing 24 continuing education hours per cycle.

Source: North Dakota Board of Nursing

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 North Dakota? expand_more

To become a surgical technologist in North Dakota, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a state license required for surgical technologists in North Dakota? expand_more

No state license is needed to work as a surgical technologist in North Dakota. Note: North Dakota requires registration with the Board of Nursing as an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP). Applicants must be at least 18 years old and complete a background check. While national certification (CST) is not explicitly mandated by the state, it is often preferred or required by employers. Renewal requires maintaining national certification or completing 24 continuing education hours per cycle.

How much do surgical technologists make in North Dakota? expand_more

North Dakota surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $59,990. That's roughly in line with the $62,830 national median. Wages range from $48,110 (10th percentile) up to $66,220 (90th percentile).

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($350) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a surgical technologist in North Dakota? expand_more

The typical timeline in North Dakota is 9-24 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do surgical technologists need in North Dakota? expand_more

North Dakota requires 24.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.