Surgical Technologist in West Virginia

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

Median annual salary

$47,700

trending_down -24.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering

720

Jobs (WV)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$290

Licensing fees

schedule

1-5 years (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in West Virginia

To become a Surgical Technologist in West Virginia, individuals are not required to obtain a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by passing the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Eligibility for the CST exam requires graduation from a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program. Certification must be renewed every two years by completing 30 continuing education credits or re-taking the exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $37,340

25th percentile $40,660

50th (median) $47,700

75th percentile $52,800

90th (experienced) $66,510

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

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license	Not required
Education	Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	CST Exam (NBSTSA) ($290)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	West Virginia does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Some employers may also accept current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse with two years of scrub experience. A comprehensive background check and proof of identity are required for certification. Minimum age is not specified, but applicants must be graduates of an accredited program or military training.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

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 you get certified as a surgical technologist in West Virginia? expand_more

In West Virginia, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.), and pass the CST Exam (NBSTSA).

Is a state license required for surgical technologists in West Virginia? expand_more

surgical technologists in West Virginia are not required to hold a state license. Note: West Virginia does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). Some employers may also accept current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse with two years of scrub experience. A comprehensive background check and proof of identity are required for certification. Minimum age is not specified, but applicants must be graduates of an accredited program or military training.

How much does a surgical technologist make in West Virginia? expand_more

In West Virginia, the median pay for surgical technologists comes to $47,700/year. That's 24% below the national median of $62,830. Wages range from $37,340 (10th percentile) up to $66,510 (90th percentile).

How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in West Virginia? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($290) and required training.

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

Expect to spend 1-5 years (program dependent) from start to finish in West Virginia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does West Virginia require continuing education for surgical technologists? expand_more

West Virginia requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.

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