Surgical Technologist in Texas

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

Median annual salary

$62,640

trending_down -0.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering

9,870

Jobs (TX)

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 Texas

To become a Surgical Technologist in Texas, individuals must complete a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES and pass a national certification exam. While Texas does not issue a state license, the Texas Medical Board mandates national certification, such as the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the NBSTSA or the Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) from the NCCT. Certification must be maintained through continuing education, with 30 hours required every two years for CSTs. A criminal background check is typically required for program admission.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,520

25th percentile $48,300

50th (median) $62,640

75th percentile $77,550

90th (experienced) $85,660

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

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing body	Texas Medical Board
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP accredited program or a program with equivalent curriculum.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($340)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Texas requires national certification rather than a state-issued license. Applicants must hold current national certification from the NBSTSA (CST) or NCCT (TS-C). Renewal requires maintaining this certification and completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years. A criminal background check is required for program admission.

Source: Texas Medical Board

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 I become a surgical technologist in Texas? expand_more

In Texas, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP accredited program or a program with equivalent curriculum.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.

Is a state license required for surgical technologists in Texas? expand_more

Texas does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: Texas requires national certification rather than a state-issued license. Applicants must hold current national certification from the NBSTSA (CST) or NCCT (TS-C). Renewal requires maintaining this certification and completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years. A criminal background check is required for program admission.

How much does a surgical technologist make in Texas? expand_more

surgical technologists in Texas earn a median of $62,640 annually. That's roughly in line with the $62,830 national median. New surgical technologists start around $37,520; seasoned professionals can reach $85,660.

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

Costs include exam fee ($340). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

Expect to spend 9-24 months from start to finish in Texas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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

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

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