Surgical Technologist in Utah

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

Median annual salary

$63,380

trending_up +0.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Utah.

engineering

1,040

Jobs (UT)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$330

Licensing fees

schedule

Typically 9-24 months for an accredited program

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Utah

In Utah, there are no state-level licensing requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to become a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). To achieve this, individuals must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and pass the NBSTSA's National Board Certifying Examination. The CST certification is recognized nationwide.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $42,640

25th percentile $49,810

50th (median) $63,380

75th percentile $75,710

90th (experienced) $84,780

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

checklist Utah requirements

Licensing body	No state licensing body; national certification is employer-driven
State license	Not required
Education	Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program
Exam	National Board Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists (CST) ($290)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Utah does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Some programs may require a background check, drug screen, and CPR certification for admission. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.

Source: No state licensing body; national certification is employer-driven

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 Utah? expand_more

To become a surgical technologist in Utah, you need to complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program), pass the National Board Certifying Examination for Surgical Technologists (CST), and submit your application ($40 fee).

Can I work as a surgical technologist in Utah without a license? expand_more

surgical technologists in Utah are not required to hold a state license. Note: Utah does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Some programs may require a background check, drug screen, and CPR certification for admission. The exam cost is $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members.

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Utah? expand_more

In Utah, the median pay for surgical technologists comes to $63,380/year. That's roughly in line with the $62,830 national median. Wages range from $42,640 (10th percentile) up to $84,780 (90th percentile).

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

Between exam fee ($290) and application fee ($40), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does surgical technologist certification take in Utah? expand_more

Expect to spend Typically 9-24 months for an accredited program from start to finish in Utah — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

What's required to renew a surgical technologist license in Utah? expand_more

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