CertOutlook

Surgical Technologist in South Dakota

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

Median annual salary
$52,400
trending_down -16.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering
580

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$550

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in South Dakota

To become a Surgical Technologist in South Dakota, individuals are not required to hold a state license, but national certification is generally expected by employers. The primary steps involve completing an accredited surgical technology program and passing the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam. Applicants should also be prepared for a comprehensive background check. South Dakota participates in interstate licensing compacts, and military personnel and their spouses may have specific pathways for licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,980
25th percentile $47,980
50th (median) $52,400
75th percentile $61,060
90th (experienced) $67,680

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

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing bodySouth Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
ExamNBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
Application fee$200
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesSouth Dakota does not require a state license for surgical technologists, but national certification (CST) is typically expected by employers. Applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Renewal requires maintaining national certification.

Source: South Dakota Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners

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 South Dakota? expand_more
South Dakota 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).
Is a state license required for surgical technologists in South Dakota? expand_more
surgical technologists in South Dakota are not required to hold a state license. Note: South Dakota does not require a state license for surgical technologists, but national certification (CST) is typically expected by employers. Applicants must pass a comprehensive background check and provide proof of identity. Renewal requires maintaining national certification.
How much does a surgical technologist make in South Dakota? expand_more
The median surgical technologist salary in South Dakota is $52,400 per year. This trails the $62,830 national median by 17%. Wages range from $36,980 (10th percentile) up to $67,680 (90th percentile).
What are the fees to become a surgical technologist in South Dakota? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($350) and application fee ($200) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does surgical technologist certification take in South Dakota? expand_more
Most candidates in South Dakota complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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