Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island

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

Median annual salary

$68,280

trending_up +8.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Rhode Island.

engineering

210

Jobs (RI)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$330

Licensing fees

schedule

1-5 years (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Rhode Island

To become a Surgical Technologist in Rhode Island, while there is no state license required, most employers mandate national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates must complete a surgical technologist 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 submitting a renewal application and fee to the NBSTSA.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $52,730

25th percentile $54,660

50th (median) $68,280

75th percentile $75,580

90th (experienced) $83,890

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a surgical technologist program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	CST Exam (Certified Surgical Technologist) ($290)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Rhode Island does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). A clean criminal background check may be required by employers. Some employers may also accept NCCT-TC certification for applicants with military experience or 3 years of experience within the past 5 years as a surgical technologist. The NBSTSA exam fee is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. The renewal application fee for NBSTSA is $40 for CST professionals.

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

How do you get certified as a surgical technologist in Rhode Island? expand_more

In Rhode Island, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a surgical technologist program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or a military surgical-technician training program.), pass the CST Exam (Certified Surgical Technologist), and submit your application ($40 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Rhode Island? expand_more

surgical technologists in Rhode Island are not required to hold a state license. Note: Rhode Island does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). A clean criminal background check may be required by employers. Some employers may also accept NCCT-TC certification for applicants with military experience or 3 years of experience within the past 5 years as a surgical technologist. The NBSTSA exam fee is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members. The renewal application fee for NBSTSA is $40 for CST professionals.

How much do surgical technologists make in Rhode Island? expand_more

In Rhode Island, the median pay for surgical technologists comes to $68,280/year. This exceeds the $62,830 national median by 9%. The range spans from $52,730 at the entry level to $83,890 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in Rhode Island? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($290) and application fee ($40) plus your education and training.

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

In Rhode Island, becoming a surgical technologist generally takes 1-5 years (program dependent), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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

Yes — surgical technologists in Rhode Island must complete 30.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.