Surgical Technologist in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary

$60,780

trending_down -3.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

2,480

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$340

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in South Carolina

To become a surgical technologist in South Carolina, individuals must successfully complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and obtain the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). While there is no state-issued license, South Carolina law mandates this certification for practice. The certification must be renewed every two years with 30 hours of continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,270

25th percentile $50,110

50th (median) $60,780

75th percentile $64,790

90th (experienced) $72,640

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners (oversees compliance, but does not issue licenses)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($340)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	South Carolina law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Graduates may practice for up to three months after program completion before obtaining certification. Military training pathway available. A criminal background check is required for certification.

Source: South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners (oversees compliance, but does not issue licenses)

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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a surgical technologist in South Carolina? expand_more

In South Carolina, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.

Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in South Carolina? expand_more

South Carolina does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: South Carolina law requires surgical technologists to hold a current certification from the NBSTSA to practice. There is no state-issued license or registration; employers are responsible for verification. Graduates may practice for up to three months after program completion before obtaining certification. Military training pathway available. A criminal background check is required for certification.

How much does a surgical technologist make in South Carolina? expand_more

The median surgical technologist salary in South Carolina is $60,780 per year. — within a few percent of the $62,830 national figure. New surgical technologists start around $35,270; seasoned professionals can reach $72,640.

What are the fees to become a surgical technologist in South Carolina? expand_more

Between exam fee ($340), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in South Carolina? expand_more

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

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

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