Surgical Technologist in Oklahoma

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

Median annual salary

$57,310

trending_down -8.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oklahoma.

engineering

1,940

Jobs (OK)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$230

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months for education program; 3-5 weeks for application processing

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Oklahoma

To become a Surgical Technologist in Oklahoma, individuals are not required to hold a state license, but national certification is typically expected by employers. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates must complete a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical-technician training program, and then pass the CST exam. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits and paying a renewal fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $43,280

25th percentile $50,540

50th (median) $57,310

75th percentile $63,510

90th (experienced) $70,450

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

checklist Oklahoma requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license	Not required
Education	Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program or completion of military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($190)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Oklahoma does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Applicants must be 18 before program start date, pass a criminal background check, provide verification of immunizations, and pass a drug screening. Some programs also require a minimum of 120-125 cases in the first and second scrub roles during clinical rotations. The NBSTSA charges $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members for the CST exam. The renewal fee for CST certification is $40.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

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's required to work as a surgical technologist in Oklahoma? expand_more

The path to surgical technologist licensure in Oklahoma: complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program or completion of 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 Oklahoma? expand_more

surgical technologists in Oklahoma are not required to hold a state license. Note: Oklahoma does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Applicants must be 18 before program start date, pass a criminal background check, provide verification of immunizations, and pass a drug screening. Some programs also require a minimum of 120-125 cases in the first and second scrub roles during clinical rotations. The NBSTSA charges $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members for the CST exam. The renewal fee for CST certification is $40.

What do surgical technologists earn in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $57,310. This trails the $62,830 national median by 9%. Wages range from $43,280 (10th percentile) up to $70,450 (90th percentile).

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

Costs include exam fee ($190) and application fee ($40). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a surgical technologist in Oklahoma? expand_more

Most candidates in Oklahoma complete the process in 9-24 months for education program; 3-5 weeks for application processing, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do surgical technologists need in Oklahoma? expand_more

License renewal in Oklahoma requires completing 30.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.