Surgical Technologist in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$65,450

trending_up +4.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering

270

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$470

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, Surgical Technologists are not required to hold a state license. However, most employers expect candidates to be nationally certified. Aspiring Surgical Technologists can achieve certification through organizations like the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by passing the CST exam after completing an accredited program, or through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) by passing the TS-C exam. Applicants for any health professional license in DC must be at least 18 years of age.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,400

25th percentile $55,050

50th (median) $65,450

75th percentile $80,760

90th (experienced) $101,910

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) provides information on certification bodies, but does not license Surgical Technologists.
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
Exam	NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($350)
Application fee	$120
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	The District of Columbia does not require a state license for surgical technologists. However, employers typically require national certification such as the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) from the NBSTSA or the Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) from the NCCT. Applicants for any health professional license in DC must be at least 18 years of age. Renewal of national certifications typically requires continuing education.

Source: District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) provides information on certification bodies, but does not license Surgical Technologists.

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 District of Columbia? expand_more

District of Columbia 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 ($120 fee).

Can I work as a surgical technologist in District of Columbia without a license? expand_more

surgical technologists in District of Columbia are not required to hold a state license. Note: The District of Columbia does not require a state license for surgical technologists. However, employers typically require national certification such as the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) from the NBSTSA or the Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) from the NCCT. Applicants for any health professional license in DC must be at least 18 years of age. Renewal of national certifications typically requires continuing education.

How much does a surgical technologist make in District of Columbia? expand_more

District of Columbia surgical technologists bring home a median salary of $65,450. That's roughly in line with the $62,830 national median. New surgical technologists start around $40,400; seasoned professionals can reach $101,910.

What are the fees to become a surgical technologist in District of Columbia? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($350) and application fee ($120) and required training.

How quickly can I become a surgical technologist in District of Columbia? expand_more

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

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