Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.
Jobs (PA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a surgical technologist in Pennsylvania
To become a Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania, individuals must obtain a state license through the Pennsylvania Department of State and hold a current certification from an accredited program, such as the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. This involves completing a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, passing the NBSTSA CST exam, and submitting an application with a fee to the state. Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states with substantially equivalent requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | Pennsylvania Department of State (for state license); National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($290) |
| Application fee | $200 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for equivalent licenses, considered case-by-case; some states accept, others do not.Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania offers reciprocity for applicants licensed in other states with substantially equivalent licensing requirements, considered on a case-by-case basis under Act 41 of 2019. Colorado accepts PA Surgical Technologist licenses via reciprocity agreement, while other states like Delaware and Arizona may require additional exams or paperwork. California and Florida do not recognize PA Surgical Technologist licenses. |
| Notes | Pennsylvania Act 80 of 2020 requires surgical technologists to graduate from an accredited program and hold and maintain a surgical technologist certification from an accredited certification program, such as the NBSTSA CST. Employers are responsible for verification. A background check is required for state licensure. Individuals employed as surgical technologists before December 28, 2020, or those who completed a military surgical technology program, may be exempt from some requirements. The state application also requires proof of identity. |
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Pennsylvania? See whether Pennsylvania recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Surgical Technologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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