Surgical Technologist in Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary

$61,770

trending_down -1.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering

4,710

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$490

Licensing fees

schedule

12-24 months for education, plus application processing time

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

10th percentile (entry) $47,950

25th percentile $52,370

50th (median) $61,770

75th percentile $72,470

90th (experienced) $78,920

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
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.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of State (for state license); National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification

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?

check_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers
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 Pennsylvania? expand_more

Pennsylvania requires surgical technologists 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 ($200 fee).

Does Pennsylvania require surgical technologist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department of State (for state license); National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification handles surgical technologist licensing — the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam is part of the process.

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Pennsylvania surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $61,770. — within a few percent of the $62,830 national figure. Wages range from $47,950 (10th percentile) up to $78,920 (90th percentile).

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($290) and application fee ($200) and required training.

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

The typical timeline in Pennsylvania is 12-24 months for education, plus application processing time. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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

To keep your license active, Pennsylvania mandates 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.