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Job outlook for surgery technicians in the United States
Are surgery technician jobs in demand?
Surgery technician job and salary trends over time
Surgery technician jobs over time
Surgery technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,164 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,997 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,018 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,945 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,886 | 0.00% |
Average surgery technician salary over time
Surgery technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $41,646 | $20.02 | +2.7% |
| 2025 | $40,566 | $19.50 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $39,533 | $19.01 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | $38,361 | $18.44 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | $37,316 | $17.94 | +2.2% |
Surgery technician jobs by state
Most common states for surgery technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 264 | 20% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 151 | 20% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,211 | 18% |
| 4 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 571 | 18% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 244 | 18% |
| 6 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 926 | 17% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 118 | 16% |
| 8 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 3,209 | 15% |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,536 | 15% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,007 | 15% |
| 11 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 891 | 15% |
| 12 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 755 | 15% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,846 | 14% |
| 14 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 964 | 14% |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 803 | 14% |
| 16 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 764 | 14% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 497 | 14% |
| 18 | Delaware | 961,939 | 131 | 14% |
| 19 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 100 | 14% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 913 | 13% |
Most common cities for surgery technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muskegon | 5 | 13% | $36,080 |
| 2 | Garden City | 2 | 7% | $36,675 |
| 3 | Fairbanks | 2 | 6% | $45,754 |
| 4 | Victorville | 3 | 2% | $54,293 |
| 5 | Gainesville | 2 | 2% | $37,453 |
| 6 | Madera | 1 | 2% | $54,470 |
| 7 | Baytown | 1 | 1% | $36,380 |
| 8 | Clovis | 1 | 1% | $54,423 |
| 9 | Frisco | 1 | 1% | $36,362 |
| 10 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $36,195 |
| 11 | Jonesboro | 1 | 1% | $30,908 |
| 12 | Kansas City | 1 | 1% | $33,417 |
| 13 | Largo | 1 | 1% | $37,825 |
| 14 | Aurora | 1 | 0% | $41,692 |
| 15 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $40,006 |
| 16 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $41,694 |
| 17 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $54,715 |
Surgery Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of surgery technician experts
Kansas State University
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Surgery Technicians to find work opportunities?
Dr. James Roush: Veterinary medicine is spread widely across the United States and graduates currently can find work in almost any geographic location they desire. There are, of course, more jobs near large population centers, but almost every area has a demand for new graduates right now.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Surgery Technician job market given the pandemic?
Dr. James Roush: Nationwide, there has been a substantial increase in demand for veterinary services because of the pandemic, particularly in mixed and small animal practices. Clients are seeking out more care for their pets than ever, perhaps because they are spending more time with their pets and seek better care. Veterinary practices are hiring at a frantic pace and there is a huge demand for new graduates this year. We also are seeing a demand for more advanced techniques and treatments on top of requests to refer to specialists in surgery, oncology, and other disciplines.
What skills stand out on Surgery Technician resumes?
Dr. James Roush: Experience in veterinary practices from externships, preceptorships, and other opportunities, and b) evidence of focused study in areas that the employer is seeking help for. That focus depends on the practice, but can include experience or advanced education with exotic pets, avian patients, or feline medicine for example, or in disciplines such as dentistry, dermatology, and oncology. Veterinary employers want to see evidence that prospective employees are able to bring advanced skills to the practice and attract new patients.